Sunny days are wonderful welcome this time of year and children should spend time playing and exercising outdoors but, it’s important they enjoy it safely. 25% of a person’s lifetime sun exposure occurs under the age of 18y. Children spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in the summer, making sun protection critical. Everyone, despite skin tone, is susceptible to sunburn and sun damage. In our area we also have to remember that Altitude also increases radiation, as higher elevations have less atmosphere to filter harmful rays. Here are some tips on how to help keep your family safe from too much sun exposure and harmful rays:
Infants: Try to keep babies under the age of 6 months out of direct sunlight. Use shade, cover, or canopy to protect them. Cover exposed areas of a baby’s skin, including the face, back of the hands, back of the neck, tips of the ears, and tops of the feet. Hats with brims or visors at least three inches wide help shade the eyes and eyelids. For babies younger than 6 months it is ok to use sunscreen on small areas of the body, such as the face, if protective clothing and shade are not available.
Sunglasses: Help reduce UV-related eye diseases later in life by wearing sunglasses. They are important, even for children, especially when they will be in direct sunlight for several hours. Look for sunglasses with a label or sticker indicating full UVA and UVB protection.
Clothing: Dress in cool, comfortable clothing that covers sun exposed skin when possible. Tighter weave fabrics work better than loose weave and even better are protective clothing labeled with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor).
Sunscreen: Always use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 (up to SPF 50) when outdoors, even on cloudy days. Mineral-based products like zinc oxide sunscreen are preferable to chemical-based products like oxybenzone. Lotions are better than sprays; if using spray sunscreen, spray it onto your hand first and then apply it to your child to reduce the chance of them breathing in the mist. Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. No sunscreens are truly waterproof/sweatproof, so reapply every 1.5 to 2 hours. For sensitive areas of the body, such as the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears and shoulders, choose a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These products may stay visible on the skin even after you rub them in, and some come in fun colors that children enjoy.
Hydration: Keep everyone cool and hydrated to avoid heat illness. Have plenty of water on hand, offer frequent sips, and call for occasional shade breaks. Add electrolytes to drinking water if excessive sweating or exercising. Cooling towels are a great way to keep your little ones cooled off during hot summer activities.
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