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Keeping your family safe in the Sun

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Keeping your family safe in the Sun

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The warmer weather makes us all want to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Here are some sun safety tips to keep you and your family safe in the sun:

  • Wear sunscreen. Sunscreen is the most important way to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours, or more often if you are sweating or swimming.
  • Wear protective clothing. When you are in the sun, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a hat with a wide brim. Sunglasses that block 99% of UVA and UVB rays are also important.
  • Seek shade. When the sun is strongest, between 10am and 4pm, try to stay in the shade. If you are going to be in the sun, find a shady spot under a tree or umbrella.
  • Be aware of the risk factors. Some people are at higher risk for skin cancer, such as people with fair skin, light hair, and blue eyes. If you have any of these risk factors, be extra careful about protecting yourself from the sun.
  • Do not walk your dog during the hottest periods of the day. Ensure all pets have access to fresh drinking water and encourage them to stay in the shade.

By following these sun safety tips, you can help protect your children and yourself from the sun’s harmful rays and reduce your risk of skin cancer.

Here are some additional tips for keeping children safe in the sun:

  • Never leave a child unattended in the sun.
  • Dress children in protective clothing, including a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses.
  • Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including the face, ears, neck, and lips.
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if the child is sweating or swimming
  • Keep children hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
  • Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. Seek medical attention for further treatment advice.
  • Babies’ prams and buggies should not be covered with blankets, cloths or any cover that prevents the air circulating.
  • Teach your children how to be safe around water – see parents resources from the Royal Life Saving Society UK for some helpful tips

Here are some additional tips for sun safety:

  • Check the UV index. The UV index is a measure of the strength of the sun’s UV rays. The higher the UV index, the stronger the sun’s rays and the more important it is to protect yourself.
  • Take breaks from the sun. If you are going to be in the sun for an extended period of time, take breaks every 20-30 minutes to cool off and reapply sunscreen.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially if you are sweating or exercising in the sun.
  • Listen to your body. If you start to feel overheated, dizzy, or nauseated, get out of the sun and cool down.

By following these tips, you can help keep yourself safe and healthy in the sun.

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