Happy Summer!
The sun can be both beneficial and harmful, following the general rule of moderation is best. The sun provides for us Vitamin D, something our bodies cannot live without. Sunshine affects our hormones in positive ways, boosting our immune system and our moods! And, most of us have experienced what happens when we are out in the sun too much-SUNBURN, or even worse, heat stroke. Sunburns can lead to a higher risk of skin cancer, in fact, one of the most deadly kinds of skin cancer, malignant melanoma. So, let us take advantage of the sunshine but in moderation. The safest times to be in the sun are before 10:00 a.m. and after 3:00 p.m. This is when the sun is the least intense. If you are in the sun between 10:00 and 3:00, wear sunscreen and/or cover up with a hat and light clothing. The following information is here to remind us all of several summer rules of sunscreen usage-thank goodness we have it!
Did you know?
Exposure to the sun during daily activities and play causes the most sun damage.
Overexposure to sunlight before age 18 is most damaging to the skin.
HOW TO USE SUNSCREEN:
A sunscreen protects from sunburn and minimizes suntan by absorbing UV rays. Using sunscreens correctly is important in protecting the skin. Consider the following recommendations:
· Choose a sunscreen for children and test it on your child's wrist before using. If your child develops skin or eye irritation, choose another brand. Apply the sunscreen very carefully around the eyes
· Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that filters out both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
· Apply sunscreens to all exposed areas of skin, including those easily overlooked areas, such as the rims of the ears, the lips, the back of the neck, and tops of the feet.
· Use sunscreens for all children over 6 months of age, regardless of skin or complexion type, because all skin types need protection from UV rays. Even dark-skinned children can have painful sunburns.
· Apply sunscreens 30 minutes before going out into the sun to give it time to work. Use it liberally and reapply it every two hours after being in the water or after exercising or sweating. Sunscreens are not just for the beach - use them when your child is playing outdoors in the yard or participating in sports.
· Use a waterproof or water-resistant sunscreen.
· Use of a sunscreen with SPF of 20 to 30 offers substantial protection from sunburn and prevents tanning. High SPF sunscreens protect from burning for longer periods of time than do sunscreens with lower a SPF. Talk with your older child or teenager about using sunscreen and why it's important. Set a good example for them by using sunscreen yourself.
-Pikes Peak Prep Nurse Nowland
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