Travelling abroad?

Travelling south or travelling year-round? Find information on the latest travel advisories, tanning and UV (A & B) Radiation, travel vaccinations and more.

BEFORE YOU GO:

• Consult the Government of Canada travel advisories, including the health sections, for countries you plan to visit at Travel advice and advisories - Travel.gc.ca. 
• You can also review Health Canada’s travel health notices at Travel health notices – Travel.gc.ca.
• Talk to your health-care provider or local pharmacy about what precautions to take, including vaccines you may need.
• Give yourself time to receive the necessary vaccines (some may have more than one dose.)
• The Government of Canada has a list of travel pharmacies offering vaccination to help protect against Yellow-fever.
• Learn more about how to eat and drink safely when abroad at Eat and drink safely - Travel.gc.ca

Tanning

If you are planning a trip to a sunny southern destination this winter, don’t forget to pack your sun smarts. Sunny vacation destinations are closer to the equator which means stronger, more damaging rays. A tropical climate is entirely different as the sun intensity is much stronger.  The ultraviolet (UV) index is higher in tropical destinations, so it takes less time in the sun before you acquire a sunburn and irreversibly damage your skin. You can find more information on the UV index here.

Indoor tanning in preparation for your trip will not offer effective protection against sunburn during your vacation down south . What does that mean?  You will still burn when you hit the beach at your vacation dream spot; not an ideal way to spend your vacation.

The best protection is to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and re-apply regularly, wear a hat and seek shade when the UV rays are at their highest. 

• AVOID indoor tanning as it increases your risk of cancer and does not provide protection again UV rays.
• REDUCE sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and when the UV index is above 3. Take a siesta like the locals!
• USE SPF 30 or higher. Reapply after swimming, water sports or heavy perspiration.
• COVER UP with loose fitting clothing – synthetic blends are more effective than cotton.
• PROTECT your eyes with sunglasses.
• WEAR a wide brimmed hat.
• CHOOSE shade over direct sunlight
• KNOW that some medications, cosmetics and lotions increase skin sensitivity to UV rays.
• REAPPLY, REAPPLY, REAPPLY your sunscreen, especially if you plan on spending time in the water.

Download this checklist here