TOP 10 TIPS FOR “FUN IN THE SUN”
Have you noticed this gorgeous weather lately? Almost time to get out the sandals!! Here we give you a few tips to prepare for this beautiful weather.
Tip #1: Plan Ahead
Have sunscreen and other important protective items on hand. Look for sales at the beginning of the summer and stock up on sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher, in addition to beach hats and sun protective clothing.
#2: Know Your Sunscreen (very important)
The best sunscreen offers protection from all UV light.
Theoretically, the best sunscreen should be the one with the highest SPF, which is a measure of how well the sunscreen deflects UV rays. In reality, it’s not that simple. When applied correctly, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 will provide only slightly more protection than a sunscreen with an SPF of 15. The SPF 30 product is actually not twice as protective as the SPF 15 product. Sunscreens with SPFs greater than 50 provide only a small increase in UVB protection.
Also, keep in mind that sunscreen is often not applied thoroughly or thickly enough and it might be washed off during swimming or sweating. Rather than focusing on SPF, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 that will protect you from UVA and UVB rays.
Tip #3: Apply Sunscreen Properly
You don’t need to hide from the sun completely or wrap up like a mummy to protect yourself. But remember sunscreen will not protect you all day long. To get the maximum out of your sunscreen, apply it at least 15 minutes prior to going out in the sun. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, so during that time reapply at least every 2 hours just to be safe and more often if you’ve been swimming or sweating a lot, even if the sunscreen is waterproof.
Be sure to put sunscreen all over your body. This includes some places you might not think of, like the tops of your ears, the back of your neck, the part in your hair, your face, and the tops of your feet. If you want to block the sun’s rays, wear clothing that you can’t see your hand through. Sheer fabrics can let in the sun’s rays and you may still get burned, so choose thicker weaves.
Tip #4: Wear a Hat
A hat is a great way to get extra sun protection, especially for those too young for routine sunscreen use. For maximum sun protection, wear a hat with a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck. There are many different brand name hats for kids that provide wonderful UV protection.
Tip #5: Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses are an important way to help protect your child’s eyes from sun damage. The best sunglasses for kids should block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays and wrap around your child’s temples. Besides that, they’re super cool and if you get your young child used to wearing them now, they will likely make it a habit and want to wear them throughout their teen years.
Tip #6: Wear Sun Protective Clothing
Dressing your kids in sun-protective clothing or light, long-sleeved tees and slacks will help protect the skin from UV rays, although on a hot day, let’s face, it no kid wants to swelter in extra layers. HIGH SPF sun creams & limited time during peak sunshine
Babies, however, should be kept out of the sun whenever possible and if they have to be out, dress them up in clothes that cover them fully. When choosing clothing for sun protection, be sure to dress small kids in:
lightweight, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, pants, or long skirts
tightly-woven fabrics in dark colours clothes made with wool or synthetic materials such as polyester
Remember, though: Clothing isn’t usually a substitute for sunscreen. Choosing clothing that provides good sun protection, in combination with the proper use of sunscreen, can ensure that your child gets the best sun protection possible.
Tip #7: Drink Up
Drinking water is an important part of staying healthy, especially when it’s hot outside. When you’re sweating you lose water that your body needs to work properly, and if you’re playing a sport or running around in the sun, you lose even more water, because you sweat that much more.
Encourage your kids to drink up and don’t wait until they’re thirsty — drinking before you feel thirsty helps keep the water level in your body from dropping too low which can cause dehydration. There are lots of cool-looking water bottles around, so let your kids pick out one that they really like, fill it up, and get them in the habit of drinking up!
Tip #8: Prevent Heat Exhaustion
When you or your family are out in the hot sun or are exercising on a hot day, it’s easy to get heat exhaustion. Kids get heat exhaustion when their bodies can’t cool themselves fast enough. A kid with heat exhaustion might feel overheated, tired, and weak.
On really hot days, limit the time your kids are actively moving outdoors and make sure they take breaks for water, frozen fruit pops, ice cold watermelon, or to just chill out in the shade or inside with a puzzle or a book.
Tip #9: Teach Sun Safety
Help kids learn why staying safe in the sun is important. Once they know the facts, chances are they’ll be the ones reminding you to slather on sunscreen!
The incidence of people under 30 developing melanoma is increasing faster than any other demographic group, soaring by 50% in young women since 1980.
Tip #10: Learn to Love the Shade
Of course fun in the sun is nice but it’s also important to give children plenty of shady options to choose from. Schedule indoor games, puzzle play, craft activities, and reading hour during the time when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Even when outdoors, encourage children to build a fort using a large umbrella or making a canopy out of old sheets. Teaching them to find respite from the sun at a young a
The good news is that the sun doesn’t have to be your enemy if you wear your sunscreen, drink your water, and take breaks when you start to feel too hot, so arm yourself with all the precautions against too much sun, & have fun with your family