Everyone enjoys the warm weather and the sunshine, but if you aren’t careful, it can actually be dangerous. Although being outdoors and getting natural sunlight is vital to feeling good, if you’re not careful, you could be left with a nasty burn. Below you will find sun safety tips for children, parents, and adults alike to ensure that you have a safe summer and aren’t left inside nursing a burn.
Sun safety tips for all ages
Babies under six months should avoid sun exposure as much as possible. Parents should dress babies in breathable long sleeves and long pants along with a wide-brimmed hat. On areas of the body that are exposed, parents should ensure they are using a minimum SPF of 15. In cases where a baby has a sunburn, parents can use a cold compress to offer relief.
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Limiting sun exposure is still helpful for older children to ensure they don’t get burned. Having children play in shaded areas can help reduce the risk of sunburn along with reapplying sunscreen and limiting time spent outdoors between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., which is when the sun is at its strongest.
You can dress older children in wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses that offer UVA and UVB protection.
Generally, sunscreen should be applied once every two hours, but if a person is sweating or swimming, re-application should occur more often.
Even though the suns’ rays can be a big threat in the summer, heat can lead to serious health problems. The heat can cause dehydration, dizziness, and even fainting. To ensure that you don’t fall victim to the heat, ensure you aren’t over-exerting yourself during hot temperatures, always make sure you are drinking plenty of water, avoid performing activities during extremely hot temperatures, check the weather stations for any smog advisories (especially if you have breathing problems), and try to seek out cool places like malls and community centers. This is particularly important for seniors, as they are at a greater risk for heat-related complications.
Other summertime safety tips to consider
Physically being outdoors carries its own risks, but the sun and heat can be dangerous when you’re in the car too. Never leave children or pets in a vehicle on a sunny day.
Additionally, always make sure to have eyes on your children. Day trips and vacations can result in more unsupervised time, but it’s important to remember to watch your children.
By following these safety tips, you can ensure you and your family enjoy the warmer weather.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
