Keeping Kids Safe from the Sun
Sunburns during childhood increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.
It's important to protect a child's skin from the sun's damaging rays - especially when they're very young. Studies have shown that sunburns during childhood and adolescence increase the risk of developing melanoma and skin cancer later in life. Here are four easy ways to make sure children are safe from the sun when they are outside. Remind them to:
- Wear protective clothing when out in the sun and avoid the midday sun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Put on sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and reapply after swimming, sweating or toweling dry.
- Wear a hat that shades the face, neck and ears.
- Wear sunglasses for eye protection from harmful UV rays.
* Sunscreen should not be used on children less than six months old. Instead, keep them covered with clothing and in a shaded area.
How You Can Help:
As a parent, here are some helpful tips you can follow so you can be sure your child is sun-safe, no matter where you are:
- Plan outdoor activities to avoid the midday sun.
- Keep an extra bottle of sunscreen in the car.
- Pack sunscreen in your child's knapsack or gym bag.
- Keep extra hats, clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses in a bag in your trunk so you'll always have them.
- Encourage your children to appreciate the beauty of their natural skin tone so they won't be tempted to use tanning booths.
Remember, simply wearing sunscreen is not enough to prevent sun exposure - the best way to avoid damaging the skin is to stay out of the sun. However, by following these sun safety tips today, you can help protect your loved ones and reduce their risk of skin cancer in the future!
