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There’s nothing better than running and playing in the fresh air and sunshine. And when you throw in the beach or the swimming pool, that’s pretty much Heaven on Earth. All this fun doesn’t come without some risk, however. Most specifically…sun damage and skin cancer risks.
Are you aware of the steps to take for sun protection? Gobs of sunscreen can help.
Let the sunshine in (after applying sunscreen)
The sun’s rays often receive nothing but negative exposure. But that’s not entirely fair. While excessive exposure to the sun can be harmful, regular and protected exposure to the sun provides the body with essential vitamin D.
Vitamin D is naturally produced when the sun’s rays soak into the skin. This essential vitamin helps protect our bodies against a number of diseases including diabetes, dementia, high blood pressure, Ricketts, MS, heart disease and even forms of cancer.
Yes, that’s right! Limited amounts of time in the sun each day is a healthy way of life. Research shows that people who live closer to the equator are less apt to suffer from diseases linked to vitamin D deficiency. Let’s hear it for healthy sunshine!
The not-so-great effects of the sun–need for sun protection
While the sun’s rays are the primary natural source of the essential vitamin D we all need, we cannot deny the intensity of those rays and the harm they can bring. Thus the need for sun protection/sunscreen. The sun’s rays can:
- Burn our skin (sunburn)
- Damage our skin (drying and wrinkling) because of repeated over-exposure
- Cause damage to the eyes if sunglasses are not worn
- Cause skin cancer-some of which is lethal
So what’s a mum to do
Only those rare people who cannot hand the sunlight have to deny themselves the joys playing outside-of basking in the warmth of the sun. All it takes is the right precautions and protective measures. These include:
- Sun block or sunscreen (spf 30 is sufficient)
- Wear protective clothing such as hats, sunglasses and colors that don’t absorb the sunlight
- Reapply sunblock/sunscreen as needed
- Stay hydrated
- Wash the salt water off your skin
- Avoid being in the sun for more than 30 minutes during the most hottest part of the day
- Consider having your children wear swim shirts and pants in lieu of traditional swim suits that cover less
- Use beach umbrellas and cover-ups when out of the water
Never underestimate the dangerous effects of the sun. Don’t for get your kids’ sunscreen when you’re heading out the door for some fun in the sun.
