Wednesday, May 26, 2004

Fun in and out of the sun

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, on average, a child’s exposure to the sun is three times that of an adult. Furthermore, the American Academy of Dermatology states that 80 percent of lifetime sun exposure is estimated to occur before the age of 18. With the summer season upon us, these are important statistics for the parents of small children to be aware of.

A little sunshine is a good thing, but little ones can easily catch too many rays, resulting in overexposure. Just one bad blistering sunburn during childhood can double the risk of skin cancer later in life. Parents need to be aware of the dangers of overexposure to the sun and take the proper precautions to ensure their little ones will be protected when outside this summer.

“When spending a day in the sun, parents should bring along items that provide a shaded area for kids to rest and play,” said Art Gehr, senior product manager, Graco Children’s Products, Inc. “Look for items that are lightweight, easy to tote and provide maximum protection.”

With this in mind, Graco Children’s Products has compiled the following tips for spending a safe day in the sun.

• Cover with care. It is recommended to dress youngsters in lightweight cotton clothing because it will keep them cool and protect against harmful sunburns. Worn with a hat and some UVA/UVB blocking shades, little ones will be covered from head to toe.

• Shade the rays. Experts advise avoiding direct exposure to the sun during 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., the period when the sun is at its strongest. Bring along an umbrella or outdoor portable playard designed with a UV protective canopy to provide a protection from the sun for small children.

• Block the burn. Pediatricians say sunscreen should be applied several times a day to ensure youngsters are protected all day long. Specially formulated sunscreens are available for infants and young children. Though SPF 15 is recommended, SPF 30 and SPF 45 products block more than 96 percent of the sun’s UV rays.

• Hydrating hints. Doctors recommend bringing plenty of fluids along on outdoor excursions and drinking them frequently throughout the day in order to prevent dehydration. Freeze a bottle of water or juice the night before. Children will have a drink that is both cool and refreshing as the ice melts throughout the afternoon.