Expert Alert - Fun in the sun: Understanding the risks and rewards

For immediate release -

2011-19

OTTAWA (July 14, 2011) - 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 disorder
Dr. 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’s damaging effects to your DNA
Dr. Elliot Drobetsky, CIHR-funded researcher (Montréal, QC)

Watch your back: Skin self-examinations for individuals at high risk of melanoma
Dr. Annett Körner, CIHR-funded researcher (Montréal, QC)

Sunny days and harmful rays: Preventing sunlight-induced cancer
Dr. Régen Drouin, CIHR-funded researcher (Sherbrooke, QC)

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The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada’s agency for health research. CIHR’s 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.

To schedule an interview, please contact:
David Coulombe
CIHR Media Specialist
Office: 613-941-4563
Cellphone: 613-808-7526
Fax: 613-954-6653
E-mail: mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca