Summer Sun Fun 101!
Summer months bring us the long-anticipated dose of sunshine we all crave to accompany family fun! Here are a few tips to remember when planning an outing on a warm and sunny day.
Plan Ahead—I feel like I’m always writing this, but hey, it’s just an approach that rarely fails if you take it seriously. Pack an ample amount of broad spectrum sunscreen with a 30SPF and higher, sunglasses, a cooler filled with water and other cold beverages, bandanas, hats and clothing for an additional layer of protection. A beach umbrella is also great to plant in the sand to provide some shade.
Apply Liberally Sunscreen and Often—Sunscreen is your first line of defense against damage, blistering and pain. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes BEFORE exposure. Pay close attention to the tops of ears, back of the neck, exposed scalp and the tops of feet. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and more often if you are swimming or taking part in activities that cause you to sweat.
Avoid Peak Sun Hours—The sun is at its strongest between the hours of 10:00am and 4:00pm. If possible, try to avoid long term exposure during this time period.
Check out SPF Rated Clothing and Laundry Additives—There are now brands of clothing that provide an added level of sun protection. These garments with tightly woven, yet light weight cloth will give you an edge along with the use of sunscreens. Research the brands available to learn more about your options for sun protection. In addition, try using the laundry products to fortify your children’s beach and play clothes.
The Eyes Have it! —Be sure that you get your children accustomed to wearing sunglasses at an early age to protect little eyes from sun damage. Wrap-a-round styles will not only stay put—but they look pretty cool too! Create this habit now so they will have a lifetime habit in place to maintain healthy eyesight!
Hydrate! — Make sure that your family members are happy and hydrated. Heat exhaustion can sneak up on you when the kids are active and enjoying themselves on a warm day. Take mandated water breaks, pop a frozen fruit juice bar, or enjoy some ice-cold watermelon to rehydrate and prepare for more play. All of these things will go a long way toward keeping dehydration at bay.
Throw Some Shade! The most obvious place to cool down is inside or under an outdoor patio roof or umbrella. Keep in mind that if you are enjoying the shade outside—light is reflective and can still do some damage even under protection.
Don’t Underestimate a Cloudy Day! The most intense rays the sun can deliver sneak through cloud cover on a seemingly safe gray day. Check the UV ray index and be aware if that haze is capable of bringing on a burn. Don’t risk it–break out the sunscreen!
If all of this sounds like a lot to remember, take breaks and sneak inside or somewhere that offers a cool place to play on a blisteringly hot day!