Toronto: The Savvy Guide to June

Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun, won’t you please shine down on me?

That might be the version from our youth, but these days the sun has us running—what with the ozone layer thinning, sun protection factor ratings and all.

It’s June. The sun is out and we want to help you lessen the fright factor a bit so you can enjoy the outdoors this summer.

DO
Apply sunscreen to the kids’ perfect skin in the morning before getting dressed. This should be part of your routine every morning—you too, mom! Develop the sun protection habit early—this is one they won’t need to break.
Why?
Because it gives the sunscreen time to get active and you will be able to apply liberally and evenly. (Most lotions require 15 minutes to set in before swimming or exercise.)

GO
To a park.
Why?
Why not? It’s June—and you have the proper sun protection, right?

GET
A basket, fill it with sunscreen and hats for everyone in the family and leave it by the door. 
Why?
Because nobody should leave home without them.

PLAY
In the garden: dig for worms, look for slimey creatures, count blades of grass and catch butterflies.
Why?
To remind you of what it was like to be a kid.

GREEN IT
With natural fertilizers for your lawn. Look for a granular organic fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Check out organic lawn care for the cheap and lazy for some quick tips on caring for your lawn.
Why?
Because you care about the water your family drinks, the lawn they play on and all of the living things (including your pets) that live in and under it.

HELP
Scrap the traditional birthday gifts and ask for a donation to SickKids Foundation instead.
Why?
It’s a great way to introduce philanthropy to your kids and the Foundation has a program already set up called the Celebration Donation Invitation that makes it easy to do. Click here for more information.

Good to Know
The latest and most highly recommended sunscreen according to our savvy skin specialist Dr. Sandy Skotnicki-Grant of the Bay Dermatology Centre is the Anthelios Stick Targeted Application with 60 SPF. We like it because you can apply quickly to the face, and it won’t run into children’s eyes or affect sensitive areas.

So get out there and embrace the elements, as they say. You always need to dress for the weather in this country—even in June.

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