Sun Safety

Articles

Jul 1

Did you know there is a day dedicated to staying indoors and/or out of the sun? This lesser-known observance can be quite a game-changer in how we think about "sun" health! The date on the calendar may have passed, but your family can make it any day during the sunny months!

“National Stay Out of the Sun Day falls on July 3 each calendar year and encourages us to give our skin a much-needed break from the sweltering heat. Although one doesn’t technically need to be indoors to avoid the sun, any excuse to lounge around the house for a lengthy period of time can (and should) be taken full advantage of. Moderate sun exposure will provide you with a healthy, all-natural dose of Vitamin D, but spending too much time basking in the sun speeds up the aging process. Whether you opt to spend this holiday relishing in the great indoors, or relaxing in a hammock in the shade — we’ve got a couple of ideas to help you celebrate!”

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Sun Protection Basics

Playing outside is fun and a summertime staple. Days at the pool can help you beat the heat, but even if you are cooling off in the water, the sun can have very damaging effects if you are not careful. While the sun is good for our bones, provides us with Vitamin D, and improves our mood, too much sun exposure can lead to some serious consequences. Sun protection is important because damaging your skin, eyes, or immune system with too much sun exposure can lead to problems later in life, like skin cancer.

Melanin is a chemical in your skin that protects against the UV rays emitted by the sun. Depending on how much melanin your skin has, the more you might be at risk of sunburn. Tanned skin is actually caused by sun damage, and for kids is particularly risky. UV rays are present outside even on a cloudy day. Your go-to for playing outside should always be lots of sunscreens! Reapply sunscreen throughout the day if your kids are outside often. Although sunscreen can help prevent burning, it will not indefinitely provide protection against sun damage. Your best bet for protecting little ones from the sun is shade. Look for parks or outdoor spaces that will allow kids to play in the shade instead of direct sunlight.

Pools & Swimming

It’s very important for people of all ages to understand how to be safe by the pool for the summer. Overexposure to direct sunlight during the summer can have some very harmful effects, and knowing how to stay safe in the heat prevents danger and encourages more fun in the sun! Overexposure to the sun can result in skin cancer, eye damage, sun poisoning, and more injury that is preventable with the proper tools and knowledge. Using sunscreen, checking the UV index on pool days, and covering up and staying out of the sun are just a few of the ways you can stay safe and prepare for the hot weather.

Sun and Infants

The best way to protect your infants and newborns from the sun is by keeping them out of direct sunlight. Babies' skin hasn’t fully developed melanin so it’s important to keep them safe from over-exposure. Sunscreen companies often suggest you refrain from using it on babies 6 months or older. If you do bring your infant out in the sun, using protective hats and clothing will suffice though you should still limit the amount of time outside with these methods. Going outside with little ones in the earlier part of the day when the UV index is lower is also helpful.

All About Sunscreen

When used correctly sunscreen can prevent skin cancer and do its job of protecting from UVB and UVA rays. There are several details to consider when purchasing sunscreen:

A broad-spectrum sunscreen prevents both UVB and UVA rays
SPF= sun protection factor, the higher the number the more protection
An SPF 13 or 30 typically works for most people
There is a product called oxybenzone in some sunscreens which is best to be avoided, because it may interact with hormones, however, any sunscreen is better than none
For your face and other sensitive areas like your ears or shoulders, apply sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These products are more visible and some come in kid-friendly colors!

Applying sunscreen correctly also requires learning the proper techniques. Here are a few tips:

Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before you go outside as it needs time to soak in.
Wear sunscreen even on cloudy days as the UV rays can still penetrate through clouds.
Make sure you are completely covered head to toe, even behind your knees!
Even if you just plan to jump in the water make sure you wear sunscreen as the sun can reflect off of the water.

Facts About the Sun

Sunburns happen when the amount of UV exposure is greater than the amount of melanin in someone’s skin. However, it’s still very important that people of all skin tones wear sunscreen when exposed to the sun for long periods of time.

To protect yourself from the sun methods listed above such as wearing sunscreen, knowing when the UV rays are highest in the day, wearing cover-ups, as well as wearing sunglasses will help to prevent sunburns or other sun-related illnesses. It’s also important to know if any medicines you’re taking will negatively interact with UV rays. It is recommended that you check with your healthcare professionals if you aren’t sure.

If you or your child get sunburn here are a few ways to treat it:

Take a cool bath or use a cold compress on the affected areas.
Apply aloe vera to the burn.
Take pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with the soreness and itching.
For anyone over the age of two, you can use a hydrocortisone cream to help with the pain as well.
Make sure to drink a lot of liquids.

Choosing Sunglasses

Sun can really harm the eyes by reflecting off of water, sand, and many other surfaces. Having protective eyewear for anywhere that could be blinding like the beach, car, pool, etc. is beneficial for all age groups. Here are some tips to help you pick out a protective pair of sunglasses:

Pricier sunglasses don’t necessarily mean they will be more protective.
Find sunglasses that have a UV400 rating or 100% or it will say “100% UV protection” on the label. These sunglasses are the best for sun exposure.
For kids and adults, make sure the tint on the glasses is actually UV protective, as many pairs are not.
The larger the frame over the eye, the more protection.
Even if you have UV protective contact lenses, you should still wear sunglasses.

Managing Summer Weather

In addition to applying your SPF 30 every two hours, consider providing your kids with accessories that might aid in protecting them from the sun. Hats and sunglasses can help protect sensitive areas like the neck, scalp, and eyes (yes, your eyes can be sunburned!) For kids with particularly sensitive skin, consider lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants to help block the harmful rays.

Hydration, hydration, hydration! Water is extremely important to remember when kids are outside during the summer. Hot weather can dehydrate kids very quickly. When kids are busy playing outside they can easily forget to keep a regular intake of water, so make sure to talk about how important it is. Heat exhaustion can also come on quickly and sometimes very suddenly - even making people feel ill and disoriented.

Tend to Sunburns

Although you might take all the measures to try to prevent a burn, more than likely, kids will end up with a sunburn at some point in their life. Skin can feel very hot to the touch after a burn but often will cause kids to feel cold or get the chills. A bad sunburn might itch intensely but feel very painful to scratch. Use aloe vera gel on a sunburn to soothe the heat as well as the itch. A cold bath or shower can also soothe the skin for temporary relief. Anti-inflammatory medicine (like ibuprofen) can help inflamed skin stop swelling as well. Be careful when choosing ointments to put on the burn; if they are made with petroleum, they can lock in the heat and block it from escaping the skin as it needs to do. Above all else, avoid the sun entirely when a bad sunburn happens.

Talking to Kids About Sun Safety

Talking to young ones about how important it is to practice sun safety will help ensure that they know the proper procedures to take before going out into the sun. Teaching them how to play in the sun with sunglasses, coverings, sunscreen, how much time to stay in the sun, and to drink plenty of water enables them to grow up with knowledge of the proper protocol for themselves in the future.

Summertime Indoors

There are plenty of fun activities kids can do to stay active while also staying indoors during the summer. When the temperature outside is high, stay cool inside with popsicles! Popsicles are easy to make with ice cube trays, popsicle sticks, and juice. Add some fresh fruit to your trays and freeze to create an easy and sweet summer treat.

While you might not be able to camp outside in the summer, why not have a campout in the house? Kids might find it fun to set up “camp” and get carried away with an adventure without ever leaving the living room. Your home might also provide ample opportunity for other adventures like obstacle courses, scavenger or treasure hunts, or endless arts and crafts projects.

Sun safety is such an important thing to be mindful of during the sweltering heat of the summer, so observe National Stay Out of the Sun Day any day this July!

Looking for more activities you can do at home or indoors with the little ones? Check out some of our developmental activities that anyone can easily do at home with their kids:

Sun Safety

Sun Protection Basics

Pools & Swimming

Sun and Infants

All About Sunscreen

Facts About the Sun

Choosing Sunglasses

Managing Summer Weather

Tend to Sunburns

Talking to Kids About Sun Safety

Summertime Indoors

Campfire Craftivity

Water Play

Easy Handprint Cup

Really Big Bubbles

Home Balance Beam

Create a Calm Down Toolbox

Additional Resources:

Heat Stroke

Group B Strep Awareness