London Drugs

Focus On Health

Sun Awareness Clinics

Childhood Dehydration

Bites and Stings

Faking It

Sun Protection for Little Ones

Vision Perfect

Staying Hydrated

Sunlight and Your Eyes

The Mediterranean Diet

West Nile Virus Update

Sun Awareness Clinics

It is hard to believe that sunshine can be damaging to our outward appearance and inner health, but it can. Ultraviolet (UV) light causes wrinkling and sagging of the skin, raised lesions known as keratoses and age spots. More frighteningly, it can cause skin cancers, including the kind known as melanoma. This type of cancer spreads rapidly and is one of the deadliest forms. Other types of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma), while not so dangerous, can still cause disfigurement. Left untreated, all forms of skin cancer can kill.

UV radiation can also cause damage to the eyes, including cataracts - one of the leading causes of blindness.

Even a small amount of sunshine can suppress the immune system, encouraging herpes outbreaks, worsening lupus and increasing susceptibility to cancers other than skin cancer.

Now you can see for yourself how the sun may have affected your skin, by attending a London Drugs Sun Awareness Clinic.

During your consultation, you will have your photograph taken by a special UV camera. The camera shows areas of sun-related changes attributable to UV light. Although these photographs do not diagnose any condition and are therefore not intended as a substitute for medical evaluation, they will bring any potential problem areas to your notice.

Our pharmacist will help you fill in a risk assessment and care plan, and provide you with detailed information for reducing your risk of developing skin cancer. The pharmacist will also assess if any medications or nutritional supplements that you are taking may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight.

Included in the $5.00 fee charged for participating in the clinic is a package of materials to help you become more aware of how the sun affects the health of your skin. An informative brochure takes you through the steps to perform a full body check for signs of skin cancer (or precancerous lesions), and provides helpful skin care tips. In the information package you will also find a reusable UV Intensity Meter and Lens Tester. Simply follow the instructions on the card to determine the intensity of UV rays. The bar at the bottom of the card will help you determine the amount of SPF protection you will need.

Sun Safety 101
Observing the following precautions will help prevent sunburn and dehydration:

Reduce sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Seek shade or use a sun umbrella.
Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat and wrap-around sunglasses with broad-spectrum UV protection.
Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to going out in the sun.
Use a sunscreen that is appropriate for your particular activity. For example, wear water-proof sunscreen if you plan to go in the water.
Reapply your sunscreen often, especially after swimming or other water activity.
Remember that artificial tanning lotions usually do not contain sunscreens.
Keep well-hydrated by carrying a water-bottle with you at all times.