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Sun ProtectionSeek shade:Look for shade, especially in the middle of the day when the sun's rays are strongest. Cover up:Wear a long sleeve shirt and a hat with a broad brim, and long pants. Use sunscreen:Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Be sure to use enough (a palmful) and put it on again every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Use sunscreen even on hazy or overcast days since approximately 80 - 85% of UV rays pass through clouds. Don't make the mistake of thinking that because you're using sunscreen, you can stay out in the sun longer. Staying out longer while using sunscreen just means that you'll end up getting the same amount of UV light as you would otherwise. You won't reduce your risk that way. Wear sunglasses:Wrap-around sunglasses that absorb 99-100 percent of the UV rays help protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes. Don't use tanning beds or sun lamps:These also give off UV light and can increase the risk of skin cancer. Remember to protect children:Use the methods above to protect children from too much sun. Children and teenagers who suffer blistering sunburns become particularly susceptible to melanoma later in life. Sun exposure is cumulative over a lifetime, too much exposure during childhood can cause skin cancer later in life. It is estimated that 60% to 80% of our lifetime sun exposure occurs before age 18. Teach children to protect themselves as they get older. The risks and benefits of using sunscreen on babies under 6 months of age are not known. Infants may absorb the chemical through their skin, causing unknown side effects. Therefore, the best and safest protection for babies under 6 months is to keep them out of direct sunlight. Move your baby to the shade under a tree, umbrella or stroller canopy. Dress your baby in clothing that covers the body, including arms and legs. Loose-fitting cotton clothes provide both sun protection and comfort. Be sure to cover your baby's head with a wide brimmed hat that shades the face and covers the ears and neck, too. |
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