Safe Fun in the Sun

It is that time of year that spring break makes all of us think of warmer weather and fun in the sun. However, sun safety must be a vital consideration with our fun in the sun. Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays or UV rays can pose serious harm to our health. There are three types of ultraviolet rays we all need to be aware of: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays are passed through the ozone layer without any blockage and can cause premature aging as well as skin cancer. Tanning beds use UVA rays to help produce color and do not offer any protection. While parts of the UVB rays are blocked by the ozone layer, they are no less dangerous and can also contribute to skin cancer. UVC rays are the most dangerous of the three ultraviolet rays. UVC rays are blocked completely by the ozone layer. Sunburn’s effect is immediate and can cause skin cancer, eye damage, and premature aging. There is no denying, we need sunlight! Sunlight is a major source of Vitamin D which helps us absorb calcium for stronger bones and healthy teeth. Experts note ten minutes, twice a week, of sun exposure is usually enough. However, the sun is not the only source of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is also found in fortified milk, eggs, and fish. According to the National Safety Council, 23 percent of lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18! A little known fact is that just one or two blistering sunburns during childhood may double the risk of developing melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. It is important for parents and children to know how to protect themselves while having fun in the sun.

Here are some sun exposure facts to remember, teach, and practice.

• Avoid the sun during 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The sun is the highest at this time and the rays are the strongest.

• Apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply usually every hour. Even though you don’t feel the effects of the sun on a cloudy and cool day until later because the temperature and clouds make the skin feel cool, you still may get burned! Focus on the SPF in sunscreens for protection against UVA/UVB rays. SPF of 15 or higher is recommended for all children, regardless of skin tone. Don’t forget the ears, lips, neck, shoulders, and feet. Also reapply with sweating, humidity, and water every 30 minutes. Products that say “all day” or “waterproof” are never truly all day or waterproof. These products need to be reapplied just as often!

• Cover up. Darker clothing provides better protection against UV rays. Make sure you can not see your hand through your white shirt to provide better protection. Infants (especially less than 6 months) have thinner skin and will burn easier. DO NOT apply sunscreen to infants 6 months and younger but do keep them out of the sun. If they are outside, they must be covered or shaded.

• Wear your shades. Protect those eyes. Wear lenses that protect 100 percent against UV rays. Darker lenses do not necessarily mean better protection.

• Certain medications can increase the risk for sunburn and fair skinned persons are more susceptible as well. Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist if you or your child is using a medicine that poses an increase risk to sun sensitivity.

Call your Doctor if:
• a sunburn is severe and blisters develop (do not scratch or pop the blisters until seen by your Doctor);

• unexplained fever of 102 degrees F;

• if the sunburned skin looks infected;

• difficulty looking at light;

• nausea, vomiting, fainting, diarrhea, and confusion.

 

 

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Interesting Facts

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control)

• Average time spent in the ER is 3.2 hours

• From 1996 through 2006, the number of ER visits increased by a staggering 32%

• Emergency rooms are more crowded than ever

• There were, on average, about 227 visits to the ER every minute in 2006