The initiative, adapted to the reality of the Canary Islands by COFCAN, offers practical recommendations on sun protection, eye health, hydration, medication, and driving, as well as foot care. The campaign is structured around five thematic axes developed by specialized departments and available in infographic format.
The president of COFCAN, Loreto Gómez, and the vice-president of COFCAN, Carlos Díaz, highlighted that the campaign aims to support citizens with clear messages. They recalled the benefits of the sun if exposure is responsible and emphasized the role of pharmacies as accessible health resources for resolving doubts.
The campaign stresses avoiding sun exposure during peak hours, using and reapplying sunscreens, and protecting the skin even on cloudy days. Special emphasis is placed on vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, or patients taking certain medications.
Another axis addresses eye health and hydration, recommending approved sunglasses and maintaining proper ocular and general hydration to prevent dehydration and vision problems.
It warns about the influence of some medications on driving ability and offers advice for foot care, such as hygiene, hydration, and appropriate footwear to prevent common issues like fungi and blisters.
Carlos Díaz highlighted the work of pharmacy and dispensary professionals throughout the year, mentioning the Island Campaign for Skin Cancer Prevention in Tenerife as an example.
Preliminary results indicate increased public awareness regarding photoprotection: 81% check their moles, 83% will improve their sun protection habits, and 78% know sunscreen is necessary on cloudy days. However, only 48% use sunscreen daily, 38% only at the beach or mountain, and 14% never.
Less than half of respondents reapply sunscreen, a practice considered fundamental for effective protection by pharmacists. COFCAN aims to reinforce prevention and health education with informational material available in pharmacies, dispensaries, and on the pharmaceutical colleges' social media.
