 The Canadian Dermatology Association says the most harmful effects of sun exposure occur during early childhood.
Sun protection is easy and needs to be a part of your family’s healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips for sun protection for your children while they are outside, no matter what the season is.
- Teach your children how to identify shade (from trees, buildings, and porches) and tell them to seek it out.If your shadow is shorter than you are, it's time to get under some shade!
- When in the sun, remember to protect your child with
- Wide-brimmed hats
- Sunglasses - 100% UV protection, wraparounds are best
- Sunscreen -Minimum SPF 30
- Loose long shirts and pants to cover most of your child's body. Closely woven materials are best.
- Swimmers need to use waterproof sunscreens. They are formulated to stay on in water for up to 80 minutes. Check the label to make sure it’s waterproof!
- Apply sunscreens generously to your child's skin at least 20-30 minutes before going outside. Remember to reapply sunscreen often.
- Use sunscreen on cloudy days also. Up to 80% of the sun's rays can penetrate light clouds, mist, and fog.
- Watch out for reflected light from sand, snow, concrete, and water - up to 85% of the sun's harmful UV rays can bounce back at you.
Try to avoid the sun during the peak hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Make sure children are properly protected with sunscreen, long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses if they are outside during peak sun hours.
Take Home Point…
Teach by example and apply sunscreen to yourself also. Visit the Canadian Dermatology Association’s website for more sun safety information.
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