Sun Safety
WIC – Department of Health and Welfare (for all families)
Winter’s chill melts into sunny days and active ways. It’s time to break out the baseball bats, fishing poles, kites, and bikes. But wait! Don’t forget, no matter how good it feels to finally see the sun, those rays will burn. Sunburns do long term damage to the skin. Those camping trips, picnics, or hikes of the season are common times when people get sunburned. Keep sunscreen of SPF 30 out where you will see it, like on the kitchen or bathroom counter. Carry some in the car and athletic bags so it is always handy. Put it on 20 minutes before going outside. Don’t forget to wear your sun protective clothing: wide brim hats; light weight, long sleeve shirts; pants; and sunglasses.
Drink plenty of water, and be extra cautious with infants and the elderly.
For more information about WIC offerings for families with children and pregnant or nursing moms, click here.
For more information on skin care, click here.
Also keep in mind that mmany sunscreens don’t protect against UVA (these are the rays that cause cancer as opposed to UVB which causes sunburn).
Look for sunscreens that give the specific amount (percentage) of protection for both types of UV rays, not just UVB. Many sunscreens will say “protects against UVA and UVB” but it might only block 1% of harmful UVA rays.
Now that I am older I cover up whenever I can. It took a month to find a comfortable, very lightweight UV blocking long-sleeve shirt that I wear when I’m golfing, tennis etc.
Love the follow up comment Professor Scott! I didn’t realize there were percentages of protection in the UVA and/or the UVB block. Nice…
Love the link with skin care tips. WIC is awesome for the services they provide!