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You may also download a PDF
version (147K) for Adobe
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Play it Safe in the Sun: A Guide for Parents
Choose Your Cover
Hey Moms and Dads! Not all sun protection comes in a bottle. There are
lots of ways to protect your child's skin all year long. Here are five you
can try.
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1. Hide and Seek. UV rays are strongest and
most harmful during midday, so it's best to plan indoor activities
then. If this is not possible, seek shade under a tree, an umbrella
or a pop-up tent. Use these options to prevent sunburn, not to seek
relief once it's happened. |
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2. Cover em Up. Clothing that covers your
child's skin helps protect against UV rays. Although a long-sleeved
shirt and long pants with a tight weave are best, they aren't always
practical. A T-shirt, long shorts or a beach cover-up are good
choices, too but it's wise to double up on protection by
applying sunscreen or keeping your child in the shade when possible. |
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3. Get a Hat. Hats that shade the face, scalp,
ears, and neck are easy to use and give great protection. Baseball
caps are popular among kids but they don't protect their ears and
neck. If your child chooses a cap, be sure to protect exposed areas
with sunscreen. |
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4. Shades Are Cool. And they protect your
child's eyes from UV rays, which can lead to cataracts later in
life. Look for sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to
100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible. |
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5. Rub on Sunscreen. Use sunscreen with at
least SPF 15 and UVA/UVB protection every time your child goes
outside. |
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Sunscreen Scoop
Sunscreen may be easy, but it doesn't protect your child's skin
completely. Try combining sunscreen with other "Choose Your
Cover" options to prevent UV damage.
Sunscreen comes in a variety of forms lotions, sprays, wipes, or
gels. Be sure to choose one made especially for kids with:
- Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher
- both UVA and UVB protection
For most effective protection, apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes
before going outdoors. And, don't forget to protect ears, noses, lips, and
the tops of feet which often go unprotected.
Take sunscreen with you to reapply during the day, especially after
your child swims or exercises. This applies to "waterproof" and
"water resistant" products as well.
Keep in mind, sunscreen is not meant to allow your kids to spend more
time in the sun than they would otherwise. Sunscreen reduces damage from
UV radiation, it doesn't eliminate it.
The American Academy of Pediatrics now advises that sunscreen use on
babies less than 6 months old is not harmful on small areas of a baby's
skin, such as the face and back of the hands. But your baby's best defense
against sunburn is avoiding the sun or staying in the shade.
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Protect the Skin They're In
Too Much Sun Hurts
Did you know that just a few serious sunburns can increase your
child's risk of skin cancer later in life? Kids don't have to be at the
pool, beach, or on vacation to get too much sun. Their skin needs
protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays whenever they're
outdoors.
Turning pink? Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun's UV
rays in as little as 15 minutes. Yet it can take up to 12 hours for skin
to show the full effect of sun exposure. So, if your child's skin looks
"a little pink" today, it may be burned tomorrow morning. To
prevent further burning, get your child out of the sun.
Tan? There's no other way to say it tanned skin is damaged
skin. Any change in the color of your child's skin after time outside
whether sunburn or suntan indicates damage from UV rays.
Cool and cloudy? Children still need protection. UV rays, not
the temperature, do the damage. Clouds do not block UV rays, they filter
them and sometimes only slightly.
Oops! Kids often get sunburned when they are outdoors
unprotected for longer than expected. Remember to plan ahead, and keep sun
protection handy in your car, bag or child's backpack.
Parents, help your children play it safe in the sun and protect your
own skin as well. You're an important role model.
When you play it safe, you're playing it smart.
For more information about protecting your family from skin cancer,
contact:
- The National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at
1-800-4-CANCER for information about all cancers, including skin
cancer.
- CDC's Division of Cancer Prevention and Control at 1-888-842-6355
for recorded information or to order Choose Your Cover materials or
posters.
You may also download a PDF
version (147K) for Adobe
Acrobat Reader.
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