Sun Safety

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Don't Get Burned: Sun Safety For Children

"Kids receive 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18---and having even one blistering sunburn doubles the risk of melanoma, the most deadly kind of skin cancer. (Debrovner, 2002)"

Protecting children from the sun's powerful rays is more important than ever before. The Earth's protective layer, the ozone layer, is depleting, leaving people at risk for serious burns. Eventually, people with a history of sunburn may develop skin cancer. Parents and child caregivers must be aware of, and consistently follow the most up-to-date guidelines for choosing and applying appropriate sunscreens for children.

Use "Broad Spectrum" sunscreens. Many sunblocks only screen out UVB rays. UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply and are believed to weaken the immune system and cause wrinkles and other damage, may not be screened out.

Apply sunscreens 15-30 minutes before going outside. This allows the screen to penetrate the skin and offer protection upon going outside.

Put sunscreen on every 2-3 hours, even if the label says it lasts longer.

Find shady spots and encourage children to play there.

Don't be afraid to wear hats and other protective clothing.

Resources, and For More Information:
Debrovner, Diane. Save Your Child From Skin Cancer. Parents, May 2002.

Up-to-Date information from the American Academy of Dermatologists is available by logging onto:
http://www.skincarephysicians.com/melanomanet/prevention.htm
.
Or, visit the American Cancer Society's web site at www.cancer.org

WCCIP • 2109 S. Stoughton Road, Madison WI 53716 • Ph 800.366.3556 • Fx 608.224.6178

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"Playing It Safe" Article

Don't Get Burned: Sun Safety For Children

"Playing It Safe"
Article