With warmer weather upon us, kids will be enjoying the summer heat at the beach and participating in several outdoor games and activities. But, overexposure to the sun can lead to serious problems and health concerns for young children.
According to the Sun Safety Alliance, an organization dedicated to raising national awareness about skin cancer, “ One blistering sunburn can double a child's lifetime risk of developing skin cancer.” The organization’s website also notes that children get three times more exposure to UV rays than adults.
Thus, the first week in June is celebrated as National Sun Safety Week and reminds parents and children to take several precautions to avoid the dangers of UV exposure. Sun Safety Alliance’s website provides printable activities by grade level to teach children about sun safety and ways to avoid skin damage.
Sun Safety Alliance’s safety precautions include:
* Wearing wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to protect eyes and face from the sun
* Keeping children under 6 months out of the sun
* Using a sunscreen with a SPF 30 or higher for children
* Reapplying sunscreen after swimming, sweating and toweling off
* Remembering the peak hours of UV ray exposure is between 10am and 4pm
For additional Sun Safety Tips, click here
For additional facts about getting too much sun, click here
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