Spring is back

Spring is back, and we are finally getting the warm sunny days we deserve. Consequently, most of us are feeling the urge to shed some of our heavy winter clothes and get some quality outdoor time.

In the rush for fresh air, let's not forget that sun exposure also means ultraviolet (UV) exposure. So you need to think about protecting your skin and your eyes.

The most likely short-term effect for fair-skinned people is sunburn. As little as half an hour around midday may be all it takes. Repeated exposure over a long period contributes to accelerated skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. We all develop wrinkles with age, but people who spend a lot of time in the sun usually have that truly wrinkled weather-beaten look. And guess what? Most skin cancers develop on sun-exposed parts of the body. Your eyes should be protected as well: prolonged exposure to sun increases your chances of getting cataracts, which is a clouding of the lens.

Be careful to not catch a cold in the shade or the wind: spring temperatures can be quite chilly. There is a common French saying: "En avril ne te découvre pas d'un fil », which means 'In April, keep your warm clothes on!'

Safely enjoy the return of spring!