SUN and SHADE
Summer is in full swing and the temperatures are quickly rising
as the clouds are finally fading away. It’s the perfect time to get out
and spend some quality time with your family by the pool, at the park or
other outdoor areas. Dayton Children’s wants to remind parents during
to take a few extra minutes this summer to protect their child’s skin
before going outdoors.
Being in the sun is fun and
makes us feel good, and even though our children like how the sun
feels—it is not good for their skin. Your child can get a sunburn
if you do not protect their skin when they are out in the sun. A
sunburn can hurt and can even make them sick enough to go to the doctor.
According to Dayton Children’s department of hematology/oncology a tan
is actually represents damage to the skin caused by sun, not a “healthy
glow” as many Americans think.
To help keep kids safe this summer, Dayton Children’s recommends remembering SUN and SHADE:
- Sunscreen
is a very important part of being “sun safe.” Make sure the bottle of
sunscreen you use has a number of 15 or more on the bottle. This is the
SPF (sun protection factor) number. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before
going outside. Reapply at least every 2 hours and more if you are in
playing in water.
- Uv index provides a
daily forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to the sun. When
the UV index is over 2, children and adults need to be “sun safe.”
- Never use tanning beds. Tanning beds have rays like the sun that can hurt your skin and eyes.
- Sunglasses are fun and will protect your eyes. Be sure that your sunglasses can protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Hats
are fun too and protect your head and face from the sun. Pick a hat
with a wide brim (not a baseball cap) so your ears and neck don’t burn.
- Avoid
the sun when it is the hottest—10am to 4pm. Stay in the shade as much
as possible. Wear sunscreen when your shadow is shorter than you are.
- Don't
wear tight clothing in hot weather - loose clothes with tight weaves
(if you can see through, the sun can also) will keep you safe and
comfortable.
- Enjoy the sun but be “sun safe.” Remember that being safe in sun can be fun!
Five quick tips for sun safety
- Seek shade from UV rays, especially during midday
- Cover up to protect exposed skin
- Get a hat with a wide brim
- Grab shades that block both UVA and UVB rays
- Rub on sunscreen—at least 15 SPF or higher with both UVA and UVB protection
Summer is a time for fun with family and friends, but parents should be careful about the potentially harmful effects the sun’s rays can have on their children and families even on a cloudy day. For more information about sun safety, visit sunsafetyalliance.org or childrensdayton.org.
Related information:
For more information, contact:
Grace Rodney
Marketing Communications Specialist
Phone: 937-641-3619
rodneyg@childrensdayton.org
Spring Cleaning??
- Liansmommie
on Jun. 8, 2012 at 11:44 PM