Latest news with #sunProtection
CBC
5 days ago
- General
- CBC
Islanders urged to prioritize sun safety as skin cancer rates rise in Canada
Social Sharing As Islanders prepare to soak up the sunshine this summer, experts say it's crucial to take sun protection seriously given the rising rates of skin cancer across Canada. A new study from Melanoma Canada shows more than 11,000 Canadians were diagnosed with melanoma in 2024 — a 17 per cent increase over the previous year. An increasing number of those new cases appeared in young people. Falyn Katz, CEO of Melanoma Canada, said men continue to be diagnosed more frequently than women. Of Canada;s 11,300 new skin cancer patients, 6,500 were men and 4,800 were women. "We also need to be talking about the death rate, which is also on the rise. A lot of Canadians don't realize that skin cancer can be deadly — 1,300 deaths each year, so about three to four a day, and 850 out of those are men," Katz told CBC's Island Morning. The study points to two major reasons behind the increase, one of which is a lack of sun safety practices, partly due to the spread of false information, Katz said. "There's a lot of misinformation out there online on sunscreens not being safe or even causing cancer. They're totally untrue. All sunscreens in Canada are reviewed by Health Canada… so they are perfectly safe," she said. She added that Canada's aging population is also contributing to the rising number of cases, since both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers are more commonly diagnosed in older adults. Support available on P.E.I. Health P.E.I. told CBC News that Islanders without a family doctor who are concerned about possible skin cancer, such as a suspicious mole, can reach out for advice through the virtual health-care service Maple. Those already registered on the P.E.I. patient registry can use Maple for free. The service lets them consult a health-care professional who can refer them to a local clinic for in-person assessment. How to protect your skin from the sun Katz said using sunscreen is an important first step in protecting your skin, but the wide variety of products can make it hard to know which one to choose. She recommends choosing broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher — ideally 50 or higher — to protect your skin from both UVA rays (which cause the skin to look older) and UVB rays (which cause burns). "There are chemical and mineral sunscreens available. Check out the ingredients and pick the one that's best for you. Ideally, apply it 20 to 30 minutes before you're going outside in the sun," Katz said. "And [it's] really important to make sure you're reapplying every two hours or more often, if you're swimming or sweating." For those who can't or don't want to wear sunscreen, Katz said covering up is essential. That includes wearing sun-protective clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, or at least using tightly woven fabrics, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. She also recommends avoiding peak UV hours — usually from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — and checking the daily UV index on a weather app or website. This week, P.E.I. had several days where the index reached 6 or 7, which is in the range of high to extremely high. Start sun safety young Katz said it's important for parents and schools to teach sun safety early in life, especially given the lasting impact of sunburns in childhood. "One to two blistering sunburns in your youth can double your chances of being diagnosed with melanoma later in life. So it's really important that we establish sun safety behaviours early," she said. That message is echoed by the Canadian Cancer Society. Elizabeth Holmes, director of health policy at the society, said the organization's SunSense program is designed to promote healthy sun habits in children. "It's... working with daycares and in schools to really instill those sun safety behaviours and best practices at an early age, and really creating the support within the school as well as... that individual learning and making it part of your routine," Holmes said. Know the signs, catch it early Holmes said early detection of melanoma greatly improves the chances of treatment being successful, so that the cancer doesn't spread. She said health professionals are trained to look for signs using the ABCDE method. That stands for Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour, Diameter and Evolution. People should have a mole checked out if it's asymmetrical rather than round, if the border looks irregular, if the mole changes colour over time, if it seems to be growing, or any other change, like starting to ooze or bleed.
Forbes
23-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
The 9 Best Patio Umbrellas, Based On Real-World Testing
The best patio umbrellas will help level up your outdoor lounging: they should offer ample sun protection while being easy to set up and maintain. We tested 11 patio umbrellas by having ten members of our staff set them up and use them at home in their backyards and patios. The Treasure Garden 9-Foot Deluxe Auto-Tilt Market Umbrella won as best patio umbrella overall because it's simple to set up, comes in a medium size that works for most patios and comes with a handy tilt feature that makes it easy to adjust for optimum shade. For those looking for the best cantilever patio umbrella, the Purple Leaf 11-Foot Cantilever Umbrella is our recommended pick for its stability, wind-resistant double canopy and variety of height and tilt combinations to get your shade just right. The best patio umbrellas will provide ample shade so you can lounge in comfort. We have several other top patio umbrellas to suit your preferences for size and aesthetics. Here are all of our picks for the best patio umbrellas: Amazon Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Canopy size: 9 feet | Height: 8.4 feet | Fabric: O'bravia solution-dyed polyester | Frame material: Aluminum | Tilt: Yes | UV-resistant: Yes | Base included: No | Colors: 21 Pros: Cons: The Treasure Garden 9-Foot Deluxe Auto-Tilt Market Umbrella is a Goldilocks size for a market patio umbrella, and it will work with patio tables of differing heights. This umbrella comes with an octagonal canopy that is available in a wide array of colors and finishes. Of the umbrellas we tested, this one stood out for being easy to assemble. 'It's easy and intuitive to put the umbrella together and then get it in the base—the entire process took just a few minutes,' says our tester. She also notes that it can be adjusted depending on the height of your table, as it provides the option to set it to one of two available heights—a nice feature that most umbrellas we tested don't offer. The Treasure Garden 9-Foot Deluxe Auto-Tilt Market Umbrella stood out in our tests for being simple ... More to set up and adjust. The Treasure Garden umbrella opens with a simple crank and also has the capability to tilt, so you can adjust the canopy along with the sun's movements. Our tester says, 'The umbrella is extremely easy to adjust. It stays firmly in place once lifted, and it's just as easy to lower. Instead of a Velcro strap to secure the umbrella when closed, it ties, which I prefer because the [ties] won't wear over time.' She notes that she feels noticeably cooler when sitting under it and that it provides sufficient shade to easily see screens if she's working under the umbrella. The Treasure Garden umbrella comes with a crank to lift and lower it, and has a tilt function. Like most patio umbrellas we tested, the Treasure Garden umbrella does not come with a base. We paired it with a 50-pound Treasure Garden base. The company recommends using a base that weighs 50 to 80 pounds, so you have the option to choose a heavier one to ensure your umbrella stays put even on windy days. But so far, the 50 pound option has been sufficient to secure the umbrella, while still being light enough for our tester to move the umbrella around on her own. Frontgate Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Canopy size: 11 feet | Height: 8 feet | Fabric: Sunbrella | Frame material: Aluminum, teak | Tilt: Yes | UV-resistant: Yes | Base included: No | Colors: 81 Pros: Cons: For the best large patio umbrella, our top pick is the Frontgate 11-Foot Round Outdoor Market Umbrella. This umbrella offers one of the widest ranges of canopy colors and frame combinations of the patio umbrellas we tested. It not only comes in a wide range of colors, but also in different patterns, as well—solids, stripes, botanicals and more. If you're unsure how to choose, the company offers swatches so you can zero in on the perfect option for you. The Frontgate 11-Foot Round Outdoor Market Umbrella has a canopy made from sturdy, weather-resistant ... More Sunbrella fabric, and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns to choose from. Notably, the Frontgate umbrella's canopy is made from sturdy, weather-resistant Sunbrella fabric to provide ample shade. Our tester was impressed by the quality. 'The fabric on my umbrella is a thick, high-quality cloth material that feels super durable," she says. 'It's definitely opaque with little to no sunlight getting through it at all, which makes it perfect for full sun protection.' She opted for one of the lighter colors that the canopy comes in, and expected it to pick up some dirt and grime in the first few pollen-heavy weeks of testing. But the umbrella has been easy to maintain. 'I would have expected it to get a bit dirty, however, I have not seen anything noticeable yet," she says. The Frontgate umbrella opens and tilts with the same crank function as the Treasure Garden umbrella we tested. Our tester notes that the crank makes a clicking sound when opening, but works silently when being closed. 'Overall, I'm so happy with this umbrella, it looks great and feels high quality,' she says, 'I would 100% recommend it to a friend.' Frontgate recommends pairing the umbrella with a base of at least 50 pounds when using it with a small table. But note that if you plan to use the umbrella freestanding with a large table, you'll need a base that weighs at least 100 pounds. Our tester used the umbrella with a bronze base weighing 100 pounds. She says the base is high-quality, but even with the heavier weight, sometimes her umbrella frame would shake a bit in the wind. 'It's definitely best to use the umbrellas on calm days,' she says. This umbrella also comes in several size options, including 9-foot or 7.5-foot canopies. Amazon Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Canopy size: 11 feet | Height: Up to 11 feet, depending on angle | Fabric: Yarn-dyed polyester | Frame material: Aluminum | Tilt: Yes | UV-resistant: Yes | Base included: No | Colors: 8 Pros: Cons: If you're looking for the best cantilever patio umbrella, the Purple Leaf 11-Foot Cantilever Umbrella was a winner in our tests. This umbrella is another 11-foot diameter canopy, like the Frontgate, but it's notable for its offset design. The pole stands off to the side, providing unobscured shade compared to an umbrella with a pole in the middle of a canopy. The cantilever design also means you can place your umbrella over a row of chaise longues or an outdoor sofa, for example, instead of just over a table. It features a double canopy for increased wind-resistance and stability, which proved useful for an umbrella this large in our tests. With its offset design, the Purple Leaf 11-Foot Cantilever Umbrella can provide unobscured shade ... More over large patio areas. The Purple Leaf 11-Foot Cantilever Umbrella can rotate 360-degrees, and has six different height and angle combinations—one of the best ranges compared to umbrellas we tested—so you should always be able to find the perfect sun protection. It also comes in a 10, 12 or 13-foot diameter. This umbrella was also easy to adjust in testing. Our tester says, 'The umbrella is super easy to use. There is a handle which you squeeze to move the umbrella to the correct height and then a crank to open the umbrella to the desired level of openness. There is also another crank which turns the entire umbrella around 360 [degrees] so you can follow the sun.' The Purple Leaf folds down for storage. The Purple Leaf's aluminum frame is attractive and sturdy, and the base (sold separately) is designed to keep the umbrella from going anywhere. 'The instructions recommend filling the base with 70% sand and 30% water, which brings the total weight to about 220 pounds, fully filled,' our tester reports. The only downside? The umbrella will be heavy to rearrange, so it's best to pick a permanent spot. 'Once the base is filled, it is very hard to move the umbrella around, so make sure that you have it in the correct spot first,' she says. The combination of the weighted base and the double canopy make this umbrella ideal for spacious outdoor entertainment areas, and better suited for breezy climates. Pottery Barn Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Canopy size: 10 feet | Height: 8.5 feet | Fabric: Sunbrella, canvas | Frame material: Aluminum | Tilt: Yes | UV-resistant: Yes | Base included: No | Colors: 16 Pros: Cons: The Pottery Barn 10-Foot Rectangular Outdoor Umbrella stood out for being the best rectangular patio umbrella. I tested this umbrella, and the shape and size works noticeably better paired with my rectangular backyard table than my previous octagonal umbrella did. Setup was simple, and I found the included illustrated directions clear and easy to follow. The umbrella opens and closes with a convenient crank, which also controls the tilt feature. The aluminum frame feels very durable and heavy, as do the spokes. Since the canopy is larger in one direction than the other, it tends to catch the breeze, a bit like a sail. The heavy duty construction gives me confidence that it's not going to take off. The spokes and frame on the Pottery Barn 10-Foot Rectangular Outdoor Umbrella felt durable in our ... More tests. This umbrella comes in 16 different colors and patterns, most of which are made from Sunbrella fabric, while three are made of recycled canvas. While there aren't as many color options as some other picks on our list, the Pottery Barn choices are quite nice. I picked a black-and-white striped Sunbrella canopy, and I love its striking look. Due to the stripes, much of the fabric is white, so the UV-protection offered by Sunbrella is welcome, as the light seems to penetrate through the white areas. While the light color means that I can easily see any creepy-crawlies on the canopy top, which isn't my favorite, it still provides plenty of shade for viewing screens. Priced at more than $700, this is a more expensive option than many umbrellas on our list. But knowing that this is a sturdy and well-made high-quality product makes me feel confident that it won't invert or take off in the wind. Still, I recommend being attentive and closing the umbrella when the breeze picks up. I ended up pairing the umbrella with the lowest price Pottery Barn base, the 66-pound concrete umbrella base. But there are three other options on the site, which offers flexibility so you can choose the best base for your needs. Birch Lane Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Canopy size: 7 feet | Height: 7.9 feet | Fabric: Polyester | Frame material: Metal and steel | Tilt: Yes | UV-resistant: Yes | Base included: No | Colors: 8 Pros: Cons: Not everyone has an expansive outdoor space with room for large umbrellas. If you have a modest city courtyard or your only outdoor space is a balcony, a smaller umbrella will work best for you. The 7-foot-diameter Birch Lane Toscana 7-Foot Patio Umbrella won as best small patio umbrella in our tests thanks to its tilt feature, affordable price and sturdy build. This umbrella also offers UV-protection through the eight canopy colors available to choose form. Our tester notes that it opens and closes more like a traditional umbrella that you pop open, as opposed to using a crank like many other umbrellas have. 'While I'm accustomed to umbrellas that rely on a crank to deploy the canopy, I actually like the manual opening mechanism, because it's easy to use and it eliminates parts that could break over time,' he says. The smaller Birch Lane Toscana 7-Foot Patio Umbrella will work best for balconies or small ... More patios. He also praises the sturdy construction: 'Both the pole and the spokes are made of steel, so the umbrella feels really sturdy from top to bottom,' he says. 'I live in a windy area, but even as big gusts pass by each day, the umbrella stands strong—I haven't had to worry about it flying off.' We paired the umbrella with the Kade Fiberstone base available through Birch Lane, which comes in two finishes. Setup was seamless; our tester said he didn't even need the instructions. Amazon Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Canopy size: 10 feet | Height: 8 feet | Fabric: Polyester | Frame material: Aluminum, steel | Tilt: Yes | UV-resistant: Yes | Base included: No | Colors: 41 Pros: Cons: If you're looking for a patio umbrella with solar lights to add ambiance to your patio, the Best Choice Products 10-Foot Umbrella With Solar Lights is our top pick. It's also one of the most affordable recommendations on our list, yet it still earned an impressive 8.5 score from our tester. In addition to having lights for extra style points, the umbrella also comes in a wide variety of bright colors and striped patterns. Our tester calls this option 'a great value,' and says, 'It's much less expensive than the other options, but doesn't feel cheap or flimsy.' She praised how easy and straightforward the setup is, and says that the fabric is very easy to keep clean. 'We have had a lot of pollen in the past couple of weeks, and I'm able to easily wipe it off with a damp cloth.' The Best Choice Products umbrella's lights are designed to hold a charge for 6 to 7 hours. The Best Choice Products 10' Umbrella opens and closes with a crank, but uses a push-button design to tilt to follow the sun. As far as the included lights, the manufacturer claims the lights hold their charge for six to seven hours. There is an on/off switch on the pole, so they don't turn on or shut off automatically. All in all, our tester says, 'It doesn't have a high-end look like some of the others, but I think it's beautiful and makes a nice addition to my deck.' We paired it with a compatible base from Best Choice Products suggested by Amazon. Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Canopy size: 9 feet | Height: 8 feet, 4 inches | Fabric: Sunbrella | Frame material: Wood | Tilt: No | UV-resistant: Yes | Base included: No | Colors: 4 Pros: Cons: The L. L. Bean 9-Foot Sunbrella Market Umbrella is a classic patio umbrella with a chic look. Our tester says, 'This model is a sturdy and good-looking umbrella with a medium-weight, soft-textured fabric.' This umbrella does function differently than others we tested. Unlike the umbrellas that open with a crank or have push-button features, the L. L. Bean uses a pulley system. You have to push it open manually, and then 'slot a steel key into a hole of your choice (based on how open you want it—there are four [options] total) to secure it to that level of openness,' she says. The L. L Bean 9-Foot Sunbrella Market Umbrella has a classic look thanks to its wooden pole. Note that this option does not have a tilt feature. Despite being very impressed with the umbrella in general, our tester says, 'Because the umbrella is not massively huge and does not tilt—plus the base (we used the L. L. Bean Market Umbrella Stand) is quite heavy—it's difficult to maneuver around throughout the course of an afternoon when the sun is changing positions.' This umbrella will be best for those set on a wooden frame and a classic aesthetic. Frontgate Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Canopy size: 10 x 13 feet | Height: 10 feet | Fabric: Sunbrella | Frame material: Aluminum | Tilt: Yes | UV-resistant: Yes | Base included: Yes | Colors: 3 Pros: Cons: If you're looking for a super heavy-duty cantilever patio umbrella that can withstand a windy day, the Frontgate Altura Cantilever Umbrella is the best option we recommend. It comes with a substantial base to weigh it down, and with a large shade-providing canopy, you'll appreciate that stability when the breeze kicks up. The umbrella rotates 360 degrees and has a tilt feature, so you should be able to block the sun's rays all day long. The aluminum base is available in two finishes: one in silver, and one that resembles teak wood. The canopy is only available in three colors, but they are all tasteful and relatively neutral shades. The Frontgate Altura Cantilever Umbrella is seriously heavy duty, making it a stable pick that's ... More best to anchor in one spot on your patio. This umbrella does require a more intensive setup than our other picks. After setting it up, our tester reported: 'Not only is the umbrella really tall, it's heavy, so you need help to guide it into place and then lift it up so it slides down on the pole…. One thing that's very notable is that this base requires twelve 16 x 16 [inch] concrete pavers. Each one is 36 pounds, so that's 432 pounds of combined weight that you'll have to carry and place into the base.' This option will be best for people that want to keep a patio umbrella in a permanent spot. Amazon Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Canopy size: 9 feet | Height: 8.2 feet | Fabric: Polyester | Frame material: Aluminum, iron | Tilt: Yes | UV-resistant: Yes | Base included: No | Colors: 21 Pros: Cons: If you want to have a patio umbrella shipped from Amazon quickly and conveniently, the best-selling Blissun 9-Foot Patio Umbrella, with a 4.5 Amazon star rating out of more than 35,000 reviews, is our recommendation. It offers the same features as many of the higher-priced options we tested, and scored a 9/10 from our tester. While the base is aluminum, the spokes are made of iron, so the umbrella felt extra sturdy. Our tester was able to get it assembled and in the base with no trouble (we used the Blissun Heavy Duty Patio Market Umbrella Base Stand from Amazon). 'The umbrella felt sturdy and it did come with instructions for setup, although the setup was pretty intuitive. Despite its reasonable price, I don't think the umbrella is very cheap-looking,' she reports. The Blissun 9-Foot Patio Umbrella may be basic, but it has a tilt feature for adjustability. While the Blissun is a relatively no-frills option, it does have a tilt feature so you can adjust the canopy with the sun. And it's available in a large selection of colors and striped patterns, in a waterproof and sun-resistant polyester. These patio umbrellas didn't land on our final list, but they may end up fitting your specific needs. Midtown Umbrellas LED 8-Foot Patio Umbrella ($400 at Amazon; 4/5 stars). The Midtown Umbrella didn't measure up to other umbrellas we tested, despite its relatively high price. Our tester wasn't happy with the canopy fabric, saying, 'The way the stitching is done makes the edges look slightly cheap, and the way the fabric goes over the edge of each point of the frame can be off until you adjust it.' It was also wobbly, giving us pause on how well this umbrella will hold up over time. Our tester liked how it adjusts and tilts, and that it has lights, which can be charged manually or by the sun. Birch Lane Iago 9-Foot Outdoor Umbrella ($220 at Wayfair; 3.5/5 stars). While our tester was a fan of the Iago's aesthetics, she didn't feel that it was very sturdy. 'The fabric on the Birch Lane Iago umbrella looks and feels elevated, like an umbrella you'd sit under at a fancy hotel on the Amalfi Coast,' she says. But when it comes to its construction, she wishes the frame materials felt sturdier. Still, she says, 'If you mainly care about aesthetics and not as much about how the umbrella could hold up in all kinds of weather, this is one of the cutest and most reasonably priced options I've seen." We tasked ten Forbes Vetted testers with trying out 11 patio umbrellas in their backyards and patios at home to find the best ones. Our testers evaluated patio umbrella features including ease of assembly, adjustability and quality of canopy fabric. Our initial testing time frame was two weeks, and we will continue to check in with our testers throughout the summer to evaluate how durable umbrellas prove to be over time. Here are the criteria we considered in our tests. Our testers reported on the experience of assembling their umbrellas. We noted whether instructions were included (and if they helped), whether one person could set up the umbrella on their own, how complicated the setup was and how easily the frame fit into the base. Our testers took note of how easy it was to assemble each umbrella, including whether one person ... More could set up an umbrella on their own. Most of our recommended umbrellas have aluminum frames, although we do include one wood option. The type of frame you choose may depend on your outdoor decor, as well as how willing you are to maintain your umbrella frame. 'I prefer aluminum frame umbrellas because they are lightweight, rust-resistant and more durable than wood,' says Jessica Sidey, senior visual merchandiser at Christy Sports. 'However, if you are looking for [a] more classic look, a wood umbrella frame can be a great option; they just require more maintenance.' Testers evaluated how sturdy their umbrella's frame felt and how well a frame supported the open canopy. Patio umbrellas come in a variety of fabrics, such as canvas or polyester, but look for one that offers UV protection, like Sunbrella. Sidey says, 'Acrylic fabrics like Sunbrella or O'Bravia are my go-tos.' We noted whether the canopy our testers received matched how the umbrella looked online. Testers evaluated the texture and feel of fabric, whether it was waterproof, and how much sun protection it provided. Our testers put their umbrellas through their paces, trying out every adjustment and angle available. Some umbrellas are simple and don't offer any adjustments, while others rotate or have a button or crank to tilt to follow the sun. We noted whether the adjustment was easy or difficult, how sturdy the button or crank was, and if the frame remained strong and upright during adjustments. The umbrella canopies we tested come with a variety of care instructions, from hosing off to spot cleaning to washing in a machine. Testers cleaned umbrellas as needed, handling any debris or staining with a hose or by spot-cleaning per manufacturer directions. Most of the umbrellas on our list don't have additional features, but a couple we tested do feature solar lights. Our testers used the lighted umbrellas and noted how well they lights work and how long they hold a charge. Some umbrellas also feature a wind vent to help the canopy withstand strong breezes, and testers noted this feature when relevant. Before you select a patio umbrella, you'll want to consider the correct size, style and base for your needs. Here is our expert advice on picking the best patio umbrella for you. In general, most market style patio umbrellas can either stand alone or be inserted through a hole in the middle of a table. Cantilever-style umbrellas are useful to shade an outdoor sectional sofa or row of lounge chairs, for example, when there isn't necessarily a table as the centerpiece. Before you choose your umbrella canopy, make sure it's an appropriate size for your outdoor area. You might consider any table or outdoor furniture the umbrella will be shielding, and also how many people you expect to sit under it. Canopies of 6 or 7 feet can fit on a small balcony or patio, and are usually sufficient to protect a small bistro table. Sidey gave some additional guidance on how to choose the right umbrella size. 'Umbrellas [should] be 2 feet larger on each side than the area you want to shade,' she says. 'For example, a 4- to 5-foot table would need a 7-foot umbrella; a 6- to 7-foot table would need a 9-foot umbrella.' For large spaces needing an offset umbrella frame, 'I love cantilever umbrellas for deep seating areas, and they can range from 10 feet to 13 feet,' Sidey says. The most important job of a base is to support the umbrella's size. 'Weight, style, material and mobility are the top things to consider when choosing a base,' Sidey says. Generally, Sidey recommends a base of at least 50 pounds for a 6- to 7-foot umbrella. If your canopy measures 7.5 feet to 9 feet, look for a base that weighs at least 75 pounds. Extra-large or cantilever umbrellas need a very stable base that weighs at least 100 pounds. These bases are often filled with a mixture of water and playground sand. Some may require the addition of stone pavers to keep a large umbrella secure in the breeze. Especially when it comes to a heavier base, 'Look for wheels if you want to move it around,' Sidey recommends. We tested patio umbrellas with recommended bases, ensuring that a base could support an umbrella's ... More weight. There are a few options you can choose regarding how your umbrella functions. Most umbrellas we tested come with a crank, though some use a pulley system or push up like a traditional umbrella. If your umbrella tilts, make sure you know what type of control it has and if it's what you're looking for. We asked Sidey to explain some of the most common controls to look for in your patio umbrellas: Take note of what extra accessories or features your patio umbrella comes with. Some have an extra vent to allow the canopy to withstand strong breezes better. Solar and LED lights are a relatively common extra that are included with some umbrellas. I'm a commerce editor at Forbes Vetted, where I focus on product testing and writing reviews for the home, sleep, gear and tech categories. I've been devising product-testing methodologies and researching consumer products for over five years. Recently, I've covered the best robotic pool cleaners and the best cantilever umbrellas for Forbes Vetted. For this article, I also spoke with Jessica Sidey, senior visual merchandiser at Christy Sports, for her professional insight into what makes the best patio umbrellas. Ten Forbes Vetted testers participated in this test, evaluating everything about each umbrella, including the setup process, the materials, sun protection and any special features. The team will continue to test each umbrella throughout the spring and summer seasons, and update this article over time. The best material for patio umbrellas will be durable and provide extra sun protection. 'Sunbrella is the industry gold standard. It is fade-resistant, water-repellent, mildew-resistant and comes in many colors. O'Bravia is a more affordable version that is also durable and UV-resistant—a great alternative to Sunbrella,' says Sidey. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations before cleaning. For most cases, Sidey recommends first removing loose debris with a soft brush or vacuum. Then use a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap or dish detergent in lukewarm water to gently scrub the fabric. Rinse the canopy off with your hose and make sure it's completely dry before closing or storing. If mildew is an issue, Sidey says to add a small amount of white vinegar to the mix. The short answer is yes, with some caveats. 'It is possible with caution and a properly weighted base,' Sidey says. She advised to make sure the base is heavy enough to support your umbrella and to never leave it unattended. 'Wind can be unpredictable, so always make sure it is down and tied shut when you are not around,' she says. Also, when you're not using your umbrella, close it and secure it.
CBC
19-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Sask. medical students want sunscreen dispensers in public spaces
University of Saskatchewan medical students Ibrahim Al-Azem and Adam Hussain joined Saskatoon Morning to discuss the importance of sun safety and their efforts to make sun protection more accessible.
CBS News
07-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
May is Skin Cancer Awareness month. Here's how you can prevent skin cancer.
Here's how you can enjoy the sun AND avoid skin cancer Here's how you can enjoy the sun AND avoid skin cancer Here's how you can enjoy the sun AND avoid skin cancer The sun is shining and our parks are packed with everyone itching to soak up some vitamin D. Sure, it feels great on our skin, but we know it comes at a cost—especially for the kiddos! May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, and this might surprise you, but Minnesota has the second-highest rate of melanoma in the country. "We know that early life sun exposure in the first two decades of life probably has the biggest impact on our future melanoma risk," said Dr. Jill Moore with Market Street Dermatology. That's why dermatologists always suggest wearing sun protective clothing or lathering up with SPF, and reapplying at least every two hours. "We recommend to our patients obtaining a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. When it's lower than that, you don't have quite as much protection," said Dr. Elyse Scheuer. Scheuer is another dermatologist at Market Street Dermatology. Even being this far north, Scheuer says they see patients with skin cancer weekly, sometimes even daily. And, Scheuer says, your skin color doesn't matter. "Skin cancer can occur anywhere in the body anywhere you have skin and darker skin types are not immune from it. So we still encourage sun protection for all skin types," said Scheuer. If you notice an irregular spot or mole, keep in mind the ABCDE's. Is it Asymmetrical or have irregular Borders? Or does it have multiple Colors or a Diameter is bigger than a pencil eraser? Also, if you notice it Evolving or changing, then it's time to talk to your dermatologist. "If it's not caught early, it has a high chance of spreading causing other health problems and potentially even causing death," said Scheuer. A number of clinics in Minnesota are offering free skin cancer screenings this month. You can find a list on the American Academy of Dermatology's website.
