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Summertime sun: Friend or foe?
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Are you prepared for the harsh sun of summer?
Another aspect of this wonderful summer weather we are having is the bright, hot, beautiful sun. Even though it brings with it hours of fun at the park and water slides it also brings hours of harmful rays.
Here are the facts as reported by Medscape.com: Skin cancer is currently the highest number of reported cases in the United States, with melanoma – the most lethal skin cancer – being the fastest rising cancer. Only 58% of all surveyed adolescents use sun screen at the beach and 30% of teens experienced at least 3 sunburns per summer. One sun burn is one too many.
So what is a parent to do? Lock your children up for the summer? Make sure they are dressed in their winter best before leaving the house to ensure they have no exposed skin? Well, those measures would work very well, but I sure wouldn’t want to be around when your teen gets their voice back after the shock of being told such a thing.
No, like most everything else with our teens it comes down to communication and providing them with the tools needed to be safe. Let them know about the dangers of skin cancer – pictures in this case can be very motivating – skin cancer is a very ugly cancer. Then make sure they have all the things they need to be safe. Of course first and foremost is the UV protective sun screen. Use a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15. It is actually recommended to use an SPF 15 lotion every day instead of intermittently using a higher SPF as needed. Then when putting on the sunscreen make sure you follow the directions. Most people don’t put on nearly enough, which is why I stay away from the spray sunscreens. Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes before heading out to into the sun and should be the last thing applied (some makeups can break down the sunscreen so that it’s not as effective.) For the girls a good makeup foundation with a SPF 15 is the perfect solution.
Don’t forget the clothing. Summer attire is getting skimpier and skimpier that is for sure. There is more material in my handkerchief than in some girls swimsuits! Just make sure if they are wearing such a suit have a matching cover up. Good sunglasses and hats are also a must.
We have to educate or teens – we either do this now, or they can live with the wrinkles and cancer later.
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