Date
Tuesday
May

May 6-12

Sun Awareness Week

Enjoy the sun, but be aware! Join us in Sun Awareness Week to learn about safe sun habits and the importance of protecting our skin.

Type
Week
Category
Health

Introduction

Let's shine a light on Sun Awareness Week starting on May 6! Originating in Canada in 1989, this week-long celebration is designed to help people understand the importance of sun safety and the risks of overexposure. What started as a small initiative to raise awareness about sun burn and skin cancer, has now blossomed into a global event that brings together dermatologists, health advocates, and sun-lovers alike! During this time, let's all bask in the warmth of the sun, but also remember to protect our skin and practice healthy habits for a sun-safe lifestyle. Let's radiate positivity, stay sun savvy and have a sizzling Sun Awareness Week!

Sun Awareness Week Timeline

1989
Sun Awareness Week Start
Sun Awareness Week originated in Canada as an initiative to raise awareness about sunburn and skin cancer.
1990s
Growing Awareness
Throughout the 1990s, Sun Awareness Week gained more recognition in Canada and started spreading to other countries.
2001
US Recognition
The United States adopted Sun Awareness Week to promote the importance of sun safety amongst its citizens.
2005
European Participation
Several European countries started celebrating Sun Awareness Week promoting sun-safe habits within their populations.
2010
Global Awareness
By 2010, Sun Awareness Week was celebrated in many parts of the globe, educating people about the dangers of sun overexposure with various events and campaigns.
2021
Digital Celebrations
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many 2021 Sun Awareness Week events were held virtually, even broadening the reach of sun safety education.

How to Celebrate Sun Awareness Week

1

Attend a Sun Safety Workshop

Look for local health or community organizations hosting workshops or presentations on sun safety. You can learn important information about skin cancer, the UV index, and the importance of sunscreen.

2

Host a hat fashion show

Hats are not just a stylish accessory, they're an excellent way to protect your scalp and face from harmful UV rays. Have a fun hat fashion show to celebrate the week. Award prizes for the most creative or stylish hats.

3

Start a Sunscreen Swap

Everyone has their preferred sunscreen, why not turn this into a fun event? Ask participants to each bring their favorite brand and type of sunscreen – lotions, sprays, sticks, you name it. Then, everyone trades and gets to try out a new protection product!

4

Set up a sun-protected picnic

Get some friends together for a picnic, but make sure to choose a spot with plenty of shade or bring your own sun protection gear. This can include large sun hats, umbrellas, and of course, sunscreen. Make it a point to remind everyone at the event about the importance of sun protection.

5

Make your own sun-safe t-shirts

Seek out some plain white t-shirts and non-toxic fabric paints. Then, get creative and make some sun-themed designs. Not only does this raise awareness, but it's also covers key parts of your body from the sun's rays!

Why Sun Awareness Week is Important

A

It encourages sun safety education

Sun Awareness Week provides an essential platform for educating people about the importance of protecting their skin from the sun's harmful rays. It draws attention to sunburn and skin cancer, emphasizing the need for preventative measures and early detection.

B

It inspires us to have fun in the sun—safely!

From hosting a hat fashion show to setting up a sun-protected picnic, Sun Awareness Week encourages us to enjoy the outdoors, while also being mindful of our health. It shows that it is possible to bask in the warmth of the sun without compromising on safety.

C

It promotes community involvement

Sun Awareness Week involves various levels of community involvement—from attending workshops to participating in sunscreen swaps, and crafting sun-safe t-shirts. It strengthens community ties while advocating for a cause that benefits individuals and society as a whole.