SunSmart Quick - Sun Protection Summary

By: SunSmart

We all need some sun exposure; it's our primary source of vitamin D, which helps us absorb calcium for stronger, healthier bones. But it doesn't take much time in the sun for most people to get the vitamin D they need, and unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage, eye damage, immune system suppression, and even cancer. Even people in their 20s can develop skin cancer.

The earlier kids are exposed to UV's, the sooner their lifetime defences are spent. Once those defences are depleated, there's no getting them back! Children need special protection because:

• Kids love to play in the sun. They spend more time outdoors than most adults.
• The natural defenses are still immature and don't protect them adequately.

Most children rack up between 50% and 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18, so it's important that parents teach their children how to enjoy fun in the sun safely...

Clothes may make the man, but if you're not careful, they may also make you tan. New research from the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA, suggests that the most popular summer garb - shirts and polo shirts - may not adequately protect against solar ultraviolet radiation (UV) and skin cancer.

Fortunately, new "highly UV-protective" clothing is available. And even standard attire provides good sun protection if you know what to look for.

What About Heat-Related Illnesses?

Heat-related illnesses such as heat syncope (fainting from heat), heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are far more serious than a sunburn. These conditions occur when kids become overheated and dehydrated, and in many cases, are accompanied by sunburn.

Call your child's doctor if:
• your child has an unexplained fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius)
• the sunburned skin looks infected
• your child has trouble looking at light (This may indicate a sunburn of the eye's cornea.)

Contact your child's doctor for immediate assistance if your child has:
• nausea
• vomiting
• fainting
• delirium (seems temporarily mentally confused)
• diarrhea

Enjoy the Summer and practise sun safety!

Article courtesy of SunSmart. SunSmart provides 97% UVA/UVB blocking protection Swim Wear & Active Wear for babies, children and youth, as well as Sun and Pool Accessories. Swimwear & products provide effective UV protection for your little ones against the hazardous effects of ultra violet radiation. Sunsmart ... A second skin to swim in! For more information, visit: www.sunsmart.ca.