Sun Safety

The American Medical Association recommends that everyone get ten minutes of direct sun several times a week to produce vitamin D naturally. So it is important to spend time outdoors, but incorporating common-sense protective measures is an important part of a sun-healthy lifestyle.

• Use sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher
• Sunscreens rated higher than 30 block just 1 to 2% more
• Avoid powders, sprays, and products with bug repellent
• Sunscreen loses its effectiveness, so replace it when it has expired
• Put on sunscreen before you go out in the sun, and re-apply often
• Avoid summer sun between 10 am and 2 pm when it is more intense
• Bring your own shade in the form of a shirt, hat, sunglasses, umbrella, or tent
• Examine your skin for changes, lesions, and spots regularly
• Infants under 6 months should be kept out of direct sun as much as possible
• Follow sunscreen warnings for infants under six months
• Cover up your baby’s sensitive skin with protective clothing
• Make use of your child’s stroller hood
• Children are more sensitive to the sun, so use plenty of sunscreen
• Have children play in the shade when possible
• A bad sunburn as a child can double the chances of skin cancer later
• Re-apply often especially when your child is playing in the water
• Artificial tanning beds dramatically increase the risk of melanoma