Staying in the sun can be a lot of fun on a hot day. However, staying in the sun too long can be bad for our bodies. Overexposure to sun can cause:
- Cancer (after many years of exposure)
- Skin to become wrinkled and rough
- Eye problems like cataracts
When is the sun harmful?
- The sun’s rays can reach the ground even when it’s not sunny outside
- The sun’s rays can penetrate the clouds even when it is raining or snowing.
- The rays of the sun are strongest from 10am – 4pm no matter what the weather is.
What can I do to protect myself from the effects of the sun?
- Don’t spend a lot of time in the sun, especially between 10am — 4pm.
- Use clothes that protect your body, like long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- Use hats and sunglasses with ultraviolet protection (usually they have a “UV” label).
- Use sunblock and chapstick with SPF of 15 or greater. Put sunblock on 30 minutes before going out in the sun.
- Re-apply sunscreen often throughout the day and after swimming.
For more information about how to protect yourself from the sun, visit the following websites:
- From the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/children.htm
- From Kaiser-Permanente: goo.gl/cd0jl