Necessity of
Sun Protection for Children
Why Sun Protection for Children?
Early introduction of sun protection for children by parents and consistent throughout life will decrease a child's lifetime risk of developing skin cancer.
American Academy of Dermatology reported that it is estimated that 80% of a person's lifetime sun damage take place before the age of 18. A major portion of which happens during peak UV radiation hours and during the summer time.
But when we talk about children sun protection, as a parent we are showered with confusing advice on what is best for our children.
Children are not exercising enough (in fact obesity is on the rise) - get them outside! Children are at risk of skin cancer - get them inside!
Confusing right? But the fact is by practicing good sun protection habits all your family members can enjoy a healthy and physically fit lifestyle without endangering the skin.
Parent's Guide to Sun Protection for Children
Children can be exposed to intense sunlight at various instances like:
- playing on the balcony
- having fun in the backyard at home
- weekend trips
- visiting the zoo
- during breaks at school
- during outdoor sporting activities
One can continue to enjoy outdoor activities, as long as you take steps to protect yourself from sun exposure.
Most important to take note is children have more time to develop diseases such as cancer with long latency. More years of life to be lost and undergo more suffering as a result of impaired health.
So try to make sure that school activities keep them indoors as much as possible during hours when sun UV radiation level is at the highest - 10am to 2pm. Book sports and outdoor activities for the safer times in the morning or later in the afternoon. However do not cut down on exercise.
Children love playing outdoors but usually are not aware of the harmful effects of UV radiation. Look for natural shade as much as possible. But most importantly, teach your children the shadow test : when outside, if your shadow is shorter than you are, then the UV rays are intense. Stay indoor then!
For simple sun protection for children, American Cancer Society advocates:
- Slip! on a shirt. Wear sun protective clothing when out in the sun.
- Slop! on sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
- Slap! on a hat that shades the face, neck and ears.
- Plan outdoor activities to avoid mid-day sun rays.
"People are tanning more, and using sunscreen less now," noted Dr. James Spencer, a clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. "It's hard for young people to worry about something 20 years from now."
As a parent we must be the role model. Set a good example. Practice good sun protection habit yourself and sun protection for children of yours can be just another of their good behaviours.
Take a QUIZ! When is it OK to be red like a lobster?
The answer is NEVER! A lobster is not bright red until it is cooked. And neither are you.
Related Articles
Do you know that baby sun protection and during childhood is vital in reducing skin cancer risk later in life?
How to take effective sun protection measures to reduce damage from sun exposure.
Return to 1ST-SUNPROTECTION-GUIDE.COM from Sun Protection for Children
|
