Sun safety

As we move into spring and summer, we are all looking forward to spending time outside. And while we are still getting some spring showers, we will be getting more and more sunshine.

The sun provides us with light and warmth. It also puts out UV rays that can harm our skin. This can happen even on cloudy days. Too much exposure to UV rays from the sun can cause painful sunburns and increase the risk of skin cancer. And even though it’s often thought of as a sign of health, a sun tan is actually a sign of damaged skin.

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00AM and 4:00PM. When possible, try to limit time outside between those hours. If you are outside at those times, try to stay in the shade.

Cover up. Wear a light weight long sleeve shirt and pants to protect skin from the sun. Wear a hat with a wide brim to protect the face, ears, and neck. Sunglasses help protect the eyes.

Wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to exposed skin. Apply 30 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply after swimming or sweating a lot. Since we can end up spending time outside when we don’t expect it, it’s a good idea to carry sunscreen with you.

Infants younger than 6 months should stay out of the sun as much as possible. If they do go out, it is best to protect them with clothing and by staying in the shade. Infants can use sunscreen when they cannot be protected with shade and clothing. Check with your child’s health care provider if you have questions about using sunscreen on your infant.

Remember to put sunscreen on your child in the morning. We will put sunscreen on as needed during the day. Sunscreen does expire after about one year, so make sure your child has new sunscreen for the summer.