The Sun's Out

It’s the heat of the summer now, and hopefully, you’ve spent a little time thinking about sun protection as you send children out to play. Even on those overcast days, you should be conscious of the effects of the sun. It may be behind a cloud, but clouds offer no UV protection. 

In fact, here’s an interesting tip from the American Melanoma Foundation about UV protection that a lot of people may not know or may not pay a lot of attention to. The UV reflection from sand, water, pavement, cement, and snow actually doubles the amount of ultraviolet exposure. With that said it makes good sense to think about sun protection year-round. 

But here it is the heat of the summer, so it’s talked about a bit more because we tend to think the danger is more prevalent this time of year. In some ways, it is because a lot of people spend a little more time outside during the warmer months than the colder. Just don’t forget that it’s a year-round concern.

Something else to take note of is that playground equipment can become much hotter during the summer since it is likely in a more sunny area, sometimes without shade structures overhead to keep the sun at bay. That’s not always the case, but you need to be mindful of this and keep children off any metal equipment--check any other types of equipment for excessive heat before they are turned loose to play. The sun beats down and structures can retain heat. Children at play aren’t always thinking about whether the equipment is hot or not, they just want to go play. So talk to them about this and make sure the conditions are right for play. 

Here are a few more tips from the American Melanoma Foundation. Of course the higher the UV index, the greater your need for eye and skin protection. Another good tip is to remember to use sunscreen and also limit sun exposure. Use a sunscreen with a minimum protection of 15 SPF. As mentioned already, you need this even on an overcast day. It is also suggested that you wear sunscreen under clothing because a standard T-shirt just provides SPF protection of about five to eight.

Sometimes people forget why they need to, but if you have ever talked with someone who has had skin cancer, he will likely tell you to avoid the sun as much as possible. You will also want to put sunscreen on at least 15 minutes before going out, reapplying it every two hours. 

It’s a good idea to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are strongest. Sunglasses should have UVA and UVB protection, and these should filter at least 80 percent of the sun’s rays. You’ll also want a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirts, and pants as well to really keep the sun at bay. Also, your lips and ears need protection too, so don’t forget to apply sunscreen there as well. 

An ounce of prevention on this one is worth way more than the proverbial “pound of cure” in this case. Take good care out in the sun.