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Remind parents to protect children from harmful effects of sun

The unofficial start to summer is upon us, and the Environmental Protection Agency is reminding everyone to protect themselves from the sun.

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has deemed the Friday before Memorial Day as “Don’t Fry Day.” Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun can result in skin damage, but it can also lead to more serious health problems, including cataracts and other eye damage, as well as immune system suppression, according to a press release from the EPA.

Children are particularly at risk. Therefore, parents and patients should be reminded to protect themselves from these preventable conditions. The AAP recommends that babies aged younger than 6 months should avoid sun exposure and be dressed in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts and brimmed hats. Parents can also apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to small areas such as the face and back of the hands if protective clothing and shade are not available.

The EPA recommends the following “SunWise” action steps to remain protected from the sun:

• Do not burn.
• Avoid sun tanning and tanning beds.
• Generously apply sunscreen to exposed skin 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours.
• Wear protective clothing when possible.
• Seek shade when possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand because they reflect the sun.
• Check the UV index to plan daily activities.
• Get vitamin D safely through vitamin supplements or foods fortified with vitamin D.