Sun Smart Kids
As we enter the warmer seasons, we are reminded protect our children from exposure to UV radiation. Parents have an important role to ensure their children establish healthy sun protection habits during the early years. Research into the effectiveness of role modelling shows us that adopting sun protective behaviours yourself means your children will be more likely to do the same.
Active, outdoor play across the day is important for health and development. Whenever you’re outside during the sun protection times, make sure the whole family are well protected, by using these 5 SunSmart steps:
1. Slip on covering clothing
If you can see skin, UV can reach it. Try to cover as much skin with cool, loose-fitting clothing.
For any skin not covered by clothing, apply a generous amount of SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply every two hours. Only use sunscreen with other forms of sun protection. Sunscreen should never be used to extend time in the sun.
3. Slap on a hat
A good sun protective hat shades the head, face, eyes, ears and neck. Bucket, wide-brimmed or legionnaire hats are best. Baseball caps do not offer enough protection for the cheeks, ears and neck, and are not recommended.
4. Seek shade
Always be sure to keep babies under 12 months well protected and in the shade during the sun protection times. Even in the shade, UV can reflect from surfaces such as sand, glass, brick and concrete, so still use a hat, clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses
5. Slide on sunglasses
During the sun protection times, use a hat and/or sunglasses to protect your child’s eyes from UV radiation. Look for sunglasses that are labeled that they meet the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1067:2003 (Sunglasses and fashion spectacles: sunglasses category 2, 3 or 4)
*5 SunSmart tips courtesy of Sun Smart http://www.sunsmart.com.au/
As we enter the warmer seasons, we are reminded protect our children from exposure to UV radiation.
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