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Have Fun In The Sun
 

 
Daily Bread
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
Psalm 31:24
Children love to have fun in the sun during the summer.

While the warmth of the sun can feel good on the skin, too much exposure – even with young children – can also cause skin damage and even lead to skin cancer.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has these sun exposure guidelines for children.

Babies under 6 months:

  • Avoiding sun exposure and dressing infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts and brimmed hats are still the top recommendations from the AAP to prevent sunburn. However, when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of suncreen to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands.

For young children:
  • Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even, on cloudy days. The SPF (sun protection factor) should be at least 15.

For older children:
  • The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
  • Stay in the shade whenever possible, and avoid sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15, or greater. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen – about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

Published: June 16, 2005
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

Baptist Minor Medical Centers provide a combination of urgent care, workers' compensation and a broad range of occupational health and preventive services, as well as fast, convenient care for minor illnesses and non-critical injuries such as sprains, cuts, insect bites, burns and rashes.

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