Children (and adults) love being outside...especially in the Summer, when the sun (and it's harmful effects) are the brightest & the hottest. But since skin cancer is on the rise and has been since the 70's, parents should remember to make sun protection a regular routine.
I was surprised to find out that more than half of a person's lifetime sun exposure occurs by age 20, according to the American Cancer Society. I was also suprised that sun exposure suppresses the immune system & that those who tan are more likely to develop infections, eye problems & cancers.
Seeing that Summer is just around the corner, here are a few child friendly sun-safe suggestions:
- Have your child wear sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UV rays when outside (this is going to be a hard one for me...Piper refuses to keep them on her head!!)
- Use a wide brimmed hat to protect your child's head, ears & face.
- Dress your children in lightweight clothing that covers the body.
- Protect lips with a lip balm containing sunscreen.
- Keep infants 6 months and under out of direct sunlight.
- Use sunscreen on small areas of the body, such as the face and backs of the hands, when shade and adequate clothing are not available.
- Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 to help block both UVB and UVA rays. Apply about a shot glass full of sunscreen 30min. before going outdoors & reapply every couple of hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
- Avoid the peak hours of sun intensity (10am-4pm) if possible.
- Know whether your children have a high risk of skin cancer.
- Risk factors include a greater than usual numer of freckles or moles or a family history of skin diseases.
*These sun protection suggestions are courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics & may be freely copied & distributed with proper attribution.*
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