Any Vacation, be it to the beach, the ski hill, or any where
in between, should be a sun-safe Vacation. Parents have a responsibility
to teach Children to enjoy every family outing as a sun-safe experience. This
helps make every holiday a
While Children are at the greatest risk of harm from
UV radiation because their skin is thinner and more sensitive, (80% of
sun exposure over a lifetime occurs before 18 years of Age) and just one
or two serious sunburns as a child double the risk of skin cancer, all
family members need to practice sun safety. As parents we need to
teach our children how to practice sun safety by example as well as by
education.
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Also see
Tips from the
Canadian Cancer Society about Shade from the Sun, Protecting
Children from the Sun and Sunscreen Use
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Sunscreen is a major part of Sun Safety and the proper
use of sunscreen can allow us some measure of comfort that we are
reducing the risk of serious skin damage by providing some protection to
our skin, while enjoying the great outdoor, IF IT IS USED CORRECTLY
AND IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SUN SAFETY TIPS. That's why we
have complied a list of considerations and tips for Sunscreen use.
- Babies under one year of age or anyone using
medication should stay out of direct sunlight. If you have any
questions - check with your doctor. It is recommended that
sunscreen not be used on babies under six months of age.
- Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen - for children
use a 30 SPF or higher is best, that is a milky lotion. The
higher the SPF the longer the skin takes to burn. Remember -
Sunscreen does not stop sunburns, but it does protect the skin longer
that if it was not covered.
- Apply Sunscreen daily, if possible 1/2 hour before
sun exposure, and reapply often, especially after swimming or
exercise, even the waterproof sunscreens. Personal note from our
President - we have a family rule when we are outdoors - "Sunscreen
in the morning, sunscreen after swimming, and sunscreen while playing
outside, ohh we need that sunscreen, that sunscreen all the time." (we
sing it to the tune of Sugar in the morning as applying sunscreen).
If sunscreen is applied at home before you go to the beach, Play can
start as soon as you get there.
- Apply sunscreen according to directions
- Shake well, rub it in well to make sure you get
even coverage on all exposed parts of the body, especially the face
and back, which receive the most sun exposure, and don't forget, ears,
feet and hands and behind the knees.
- Consider sunscreening children before they get
dressed so you don't miss any edges around clothes.
- Avoid Contact with eyes and mouth. If
sunscreen gets in eyes, flush thoroughly with water. If
ingested, contact your local hospital emergency or doctors office or
poison control centre immediately.
- If a rash occurs, discontinue use of sunscreen
immediately and consult your doctor.
- Sunscreen's active ingredients do expire. If
your bottle is two or more years old, throw it out. Expiration
dates are usually on the bottom of the bottle.
- Make sure Dad and Mom use sunscreen too. Give
the Kids the responsibility of reminding you - they may take it quite
seriously and so they should.
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Here are some tips for skin care after sun exposure:
As skin looses moisture during exposure to the sun,
apply a moisturizer, which may contain Vitamin E or Aloe to skin before
bed time and drink plenty of fluids during the day..
Look for and recognize the signs of skin cancer -
consult your doctor immediately if you have any concerns - some signs
are:
- A skin growth that increases in size;
- A mole or birth mark that increases in size or
thickness or changes in any way including colour or outline;
- A mole or spot that itches, hurts, bleeds or scabs;
- A sore that does not heal, lasts for more than a
month or reopens after healing up.
Although sunburns should be avoided at all costs,
sometime a sunburn happens, here are some tips to lessen the hurt of the
burn:
- Run cool (not cold) water over the affected area,
or a tepid
bath where children can play may relieve some of the pain. Cool
compresses also help. Don't use ice as it can put an ice burn on
top of the sunburn
- A pain reliever may help reduce the discomfort of a
sunburn - Read medication instructions for usage and check with doctor
if child is under two years of age.
- Consult a physician or hospital emergency if
sunburn is serious or the child is under one year of age.
- Never pull peeled skin.
- If there are no blisters, a creamy lotion may feel
soothing.
- If there are blisters, keep area clean and when
blisters have dried out apply lotion.
- You may use anesthetic sprays or a mild cold cream
or hydrocortisone but read directions and consult a pharmacist
or your doctor first.
- Avoid future sunburns as damage intensifies with
continued exposure.
Also see First Aid Tips
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Keep all these tips in mind to help the whole family enjoy a
Sun-Safe Vacation.
All tips are offered as suggestions only. While
we have tried to provide you with a list of suggestions to help parents
when travelling with children to keep them safe, unfortunately, we can’t
think of everything and it is the responsibility of parents to ensure
their children’s safety.
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see the following sections for specific tips:
Tips for Making Summer Safe from Safe Kids
Canada - Summer Safety Checklist
The Hazards of Heat and Tips for Keeping
Hydrated in the Summer Heat
Keep the Bugs at Bay, Eight Tips for a Bug Free Summer
Safety News - Summer Safety Warning - Press Release from Consumer Product Safety Commission
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For In-line Skating Safety Tips Click on
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