August is Summer Sun Safety Month

Have Safe Summer Fun in the Sun this Summer

Summer Sun Safety Month is observed as a reminder to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy in the sun during the summer. Celebrate with us by learning how to keep your children safe while being exposed to more UV Rays from the Sun.

Safely enjoy your summer

 Summer Sun Safety Month serves as another reminder to take precautions while having fun in the sun this summer with your children.

As great as kid-friendly summer activities such as making sandcastles on the beach, summer camp, boating, swimming, and more are, they also expose you to UV rays. The summers are growing hotter, and the sun itself is feeling stronger. It’s up to you to protect yourself and your family!

It’s a matter of weighing the risks and benefits over the summer. Spending time outside being physically active can help reduce stress and get more vitamin D. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and reduce inflammation. Too much, however, can be harmful.

Most skin cancers are formed after too much UV light exposure, as it damages skin cells. Follow our tips below to avoid this!

tips for safety in the sun

Manage your exposure while enjoying the summer sun

You can still enjoy the summer sun and stay safe. There are simple steps that you can take at home to manage the effects of UV rays. Below are simple tips to help you this summer:

N

Be aware of when the sun is at its’ strongest

Usually, the sun is at its strongest between 10AM and 4PM, according to the CDC. If you do spend time outside during this time, be sure to wear sunblock and limit your time outside.
N

Wear a strong SPF

When choosing the correct sunscreen, find a broad spectrum one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher before you go outside.  Sunscreen is not recommended for babies who are 6 months old or younger. The U.S. Food and Drug Administrationexternal icon recommend keeping infants out of the sun during midday and using protective clothing if they have to be in the sun.
N

Protective clothing

Clothing is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from the UV rays of the sun. Wear protective clothing, however, be careful to not overheat. Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses are a great accessory to protect your eyes and face from the sun. Excessive exposure to UV rays can also lead to cataracts and eye cancer. So, precautions are necessary to reduce the risk of getting skin or eye diseases while you’re having fun in the summer.

What You Need to Know About Sun Safety

Just as you would with any disease, follow the CDC’s guidelines for staying safe in the sun. Learn more in this video:

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htmh
https://nationaltoday.com/summer-sun-safety-month/