How to Keep Your Child Safe in the Summer Sun
It is great to get your child outside and active during the summer months. However, is your kid spending all day basking in the sun without the proper sun protection?
Did you know that just one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles an individual’s chances of developing the most deadly form of skin cancer as an adult?
The latest research even shows that a mild to moderate increase in sun exposure over an extended period may significantly augment the growth of already existing pigmented moles in children, thus increasing the odds of getting skin cancer later in life.
Babies and toddlers’ skins are much thinner than older children, making them more prone to sun damage.
Clothing is the single most important factor in protecting your child against the sun’s harmful rays. As temperatures soar and more time is spent outdoors this time of year, equip your child with the following “4 S Way To Dress” attire:
- Sun hat – Look into getting your child a machine washable cap with a visor or a bucket hat.
- Sunglasses – Your child may be more concerned with style than safety so make sure that the shades provide 100% UV protection.
- Sunscreen – Whether your child is at camp, at the beach or in the backyard, sunscreen is an absolute must. Purchase one with an SPF of at least 30 that shields your child from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Shirt – Light colored and UV protective is a winner.
Spending long days of fun out in the summer sun signals a craving for your child’s skin to stay hydrated.
Water is the most effective way to rehydrate, plump up and rejuvenate the glow in a person’s skin, but isn’t the only way.
Additionally, make sure your child stocks up on plenty of fruits and vegetables. Here are my personal pics that make the grade at 90% water content and above:
Fruits:
- Cantaloupe
- Grapefruit
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
Vegetables:
- Red cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Eggplant
- Iceberg lettuce
- Sweet peppers
- Radish
- Spinach
- Zucchini
- Tomatoes
Read more posts by Douglas Haddad, JenningsWire blogger.
SOURCES: University of Kentucky Study
