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Sun Safety
We know that being in the sun without sunscreen causes wrinkles, and even skin cancer. But just how important is protection? Very! Summer can mean far more outdoor time for your kids. It is important to take steps to protect them (and yourself) from both short and long term skin damage due to sun exposure. Besides the fact that sunburns are painful, they can also lead to very serious forms of skin cancer later on. In fact, much of the damage to skin that shows up later in life occurs as a result of the sun exposure we had as children. You cannot avoid the sun altogether, but these simple and important tips can help you have safer summer in the sun:
- Sunscreen – A SPF of 15 is recommended, but 25 and 30 are even better!
- Apply thoroughly - one little squirt won’t do - slather it on! Don’t forget noses, ears, and the palms of hands!
- Reapply often – No sunscreen is 100% water-resistant. No matter what kind you use, reapply every 1 ½ to 2 hours
- Cover up – in addition to sunscreen, wear hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses.
- 10 AM – 4 PM are the times when the sun’s rays are the strongest. If outside, try and keep the kids in the shade (don’t forget the sunscreen!)
Important to know:
- Putting sunscreen on infants younger than 6 months is not recommended. Keep them up covered up with hats, sunglasses, and the proper clothing.
- Don’t let the overcast days fool you – the sun still sends out harmful rays that can cause burning. Always put sunscreen on the kids before they go outside, sun or no sun.
- It takes at least 30 minutes for sunscreen to work. Put it on the kids before they head outside.
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