It’s very important for all the families to keep active this summer and enjoy the outdoors whenever they get the chance. However, keep some golden rules in mind to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy throughout the season
Stay in shaded areas between 10 am and 4 pm when the rays are the strongest.
Apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before heading out as it needs time to work on the skin.
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating or towel drying.
Your sunscreen should include (SPF) of at least 15. The additional benefits of using a sunscreen with SPF 50+ are limited.
Remember that sunscreens should be used to protect you from the sun. So do not use it as a reason to stay in the sun longer.
If an infant gets a sunburn, apply cold compresses to the affected area and if that results in blisters, pain or fever, contact your pediatrician.
Children need to be protected from the sun’s burning rays since most sun damage occurs in childhood. Sunburn is painful and may cause chills or headaches and a general feeling of illness.
Sun Safety and Protection for babies under six months:
Babies under six months of age should be in shades at all times so:
- Dress them in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs, and use thick hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn.
- When suitable parents can apply a minimal amount of sunscreen with at least 15 SPF to the infant’s face, hands and legs at least 30 minutes before going outdoors, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
- Apply a small amount on your child’s’ back to notice any allergy.
- Apply carefully around the eyes, avoiding eyelids. If a rash develops, contact your doctor.
- Be sure to apply sunscreen generously.
Sun Safety for Kids:
- Avoid sun exposure at peak times
- Look for the words “broad-spectrum” on the label which means that the sunscreen will protect against both (UVB) and (UVA).
- Choose a water-resistant sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming, sweating or to towel drying.
- Zinc oxide can be used as extra protection on the nose, cheeks, top of the ears and on the shoulders.
- Select a sunscreen that doesn’t contain the ingredient oxybenzone, a chemical that may have hormonal properties.
- Your sunscreen should include (SPF) of at least 15
- Select cotton clothes. Wearing swim shirts and sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protecting are also a good idea for protecting your child’s eyes.
- The sun’s damaging UV rays can bounce back from sand, water, snow or concrete, so be careful.
- Use sun protection even on cloudy days because most of the sun’s rays can come through the clouds.
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