News — OTTAWA (July 14, 2011) 鈥 After many long winter months, Canadians are eager to get outside and enjoy the short and sweet season of warm summer sunshine. Although soaking up the sun can help us forget our winter blues, too much or unprotected exposure can have harmful consequences to your health.
As Canadians head outdoors to benefit from the sunny weather, experts from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) are available to discuss the various effects of sun exposure.
Experts:
Happiness is a warm sun: Light exposure and seasonal affective disorderDr. Raymond Lam, CIHR-funded researcher (Vancouver, BC)
Vitamin D deficiency and the risk of developing cancer: Is there a link?Dr. Victoria Kirsh, CIHR-funded researcher (Toronto, ON)
Slap on that sunscreen! Sunlight鈥檚 damaging effects to your DNADr. Elliot Drobetsky, CIHR-funded researcher (Montr茅al, QC)
Watch your back: Skin self-examinations for individuals at high risk of melanomaDr. Annett K枚rner, CIHR-funded researcher (Montr茅al, QC)
Sunny days and harmful rays: Preventing sunlight-induced cancerDr. R茅gen Drouin, CIHR-funded researcher (Sherbrooke, QC)
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada鈥檚 agency for health research. CIHR鈥檚 mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health-care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 13,600 health researchers and trainees across Canada.