Tips To Protect You and Your Children from the Sun’s Harmful Rays and Prevent Sunburns
It is important that you carefully plan your outings to avoid excessive sun exposure. Too much exposure to the sun can cause heat related illnesses and it increases your risk for skin cancer. It is very important to take the time and protect you and your children from the sun’s harmful rays and prevent sunburns. Use these tips to help limit your exposure to the sun:
- Avoid the being in the sun between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, when the sun’s rays are the most harmful.
- Wear sunscreen that is rated SPF 30 or above.
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before heading out into the sun and reapply every 2 hours unless your a sweating or swimming then reapply sunscreen more often.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
- Do wear light colored clothing.
- Do wear long sleeves and pants if you plan on being in the sun for long periods of time.
- Do wear a wide-brimmed hat. Baseball caps don’t protect the back of the neck and should be avoided.
- Drink plenty of cool or cold fluids, preferably, water.
- Watch for signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, especially, important if your baby joins you on your outings. Some of the symptoms include: fussiness, excessive crying, redness, confusion, dark urine output, excessive sweating, weakness, muscle cramps, dizziness, and possibility of fainting.
- Watch for signs and symptoms of heat stroke. Some symptoms include: high body temperature, no longer sweating, hot and dry skin, shallow breathing, nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness, rapid heart beat, and possible seizures.
Do you enjoy spending time outdoors during the summer months? If so, do you apply sunscreen to your children on a regular basis?
