With temperatures reaching the high 20s recently, sun safety should be on your mind.

Skin cancer numbers in Manitoba are higher due to many different reasons. Some include increased use of tanning beds, excess sun exposure, and an aging population. Shane McDonald, a registered nurse says to lower the number we must protect our skin.   Here he talks about how sunscreen works.

"They work by absorbing or reflecting the Sun's UV rays away from the skin.   Look for a product with a minimum SPF of 30 that protects against the Sun's ultraviolet B rays.  The product should also contain ingredients that protect against ultraviolet A rays which penetrate more deeply into the skin and are responsible for premature aging and contribute to the development of skin cancer.   So you're looking for a broad spectrum sunscreen that helps protect against both A and B."

People should be aware that the sun is brightest between 10am and 4pm. Sunscreen should be applied prior to sun exposure and reapplied every 2 hours.   

McDonald says children under 6 months should not wear sunscreen.  Children over 6 months should wear sunscreen, a hat and sunshades when outside. To learn more about how to protect your family from the sun rays listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.