Family Forum: Fun in the Sun

Spending a day soaking up the summer rays under a bright blue sky sounds like a dream, except for the inherent risks of over exposure to the sun.

Be sure your family gets in the habit of following a comprehensive sun guide to ward off the sun's radiation. Drawing from the FDA and the Skin Cancer Foundation suggestions, here are some family sun tips:

Shade: Seek shade or create shade under an umbrella or a tree. A great spot to seek shelter – one of the trees at , which also features sprinklers for water play. And if you are planning a trip to the new pool complex at , arrive early to grab a chair under an umbrella. Use an umbrella when walking.

Sun Screen: Make it a daily routine to lather up – even if you plan to simply stroll along Main Street and enjoy the shops and eateries. Liberally apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. Remember the forgotten places – nose, ears, neck, back, feet, lips, sides, under straps, hairlines and toes. Ask your kids to keep track of where they've already applied sunscreen. Keep sunscreen in your bag and at your child's school or camp, giving teachers and counselors permission to apply. Follow the label's directions and reapply throughout the day. Sunscreens come in foam, spray, oil, wax, gel or the good old fashion lotion. Check with your pediatrician if your child is 6 months or younger and if your skin reacts.

Broad Spectrum: As of June 23, 2011, the FDA's new sunscreen regulations recommends “choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to protect against UV and UVA radiation rays.”  Broad spectrum agents include zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. The fairer your skin, the higher the SPF number you need.

Water Proof: The FDA’s new regulations prohibits “waterproof,” “sweat proof,” or “sunblock” as labels. Water-resistant sunscreen is not waterproof so reapply after swimming or sweating.

Sun Gear: Clothes that are made with tightly woven opaque fabric help ward off the sunrays. The FDA's rule of thumb is if you can see light filtering through your (dry) clothes and hats, it offers little protection. Hats should “be at least 4 inches wide and made of tightly-woven, opaque fibers. Loosely woven straw hats provide very little sun protection.” Kids can wear sun-protective clothing that has an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), like a swim shirt. SunGuard, which the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends, can be used in your laundry to add a layer of UPF of 30 onto your clothes. Bring cover-ups, long-sleeved shirt and pants and still use sunscreen.

Reflection: The sun is strong and reflects off water, sand, pavements and houses. You can still absorb sun even in the shade, on overcast days and in your car. 

Peak Hours: The sun rays are at their strongest between 10-4 p.m. While late beach days are great, try limiting your exposure between 12-2 p.m. when the sun feels the strongest. 

Eye Protection: Each family member should wear 100-percent UV and UVA protected sunglasses. As the FDA notes: “Do not mistake dark-tinted sunglasses as having more UV protection. The darkness of the lens does not indicate its ability to shield your eyes from UV rays.” If your kids will not keep sunglasses on, try a hat. If that’s a no, put some zinc below their eyes to prevent sunburn and hope they don’t wipe it off.

Sunburn: The Skin Cancer Foundation says you should not “seek a tan, and never sunburn; both suntans and sunburns result from DNA damage that can pave the way to skin cancer.”  Further, “blistering sunburns in early childhood increase risks of skin cancer.” Get out of the sun if your skin reddens, tingles or aches.

Medication: If your child or you are on medications, antibiotics, whether cosmetic (alpha hydroxy acids, retinol creams), medical, topical or oral, talk with your doctor about sun exposure.

Remedies: To soothe burning skin, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends taking a cool bath; drinking water, juice or sports drinks; taking an acetaminophen for headache, slight fever or chills; gently applying a light moisturizer; and avoiding sun until the burn fades. Most importantly, the foundations warns, “if you or your child runs a fever or has a blistering burn, seek medical attention as it could be signs of a heatstroke.”

Vitamins: Your body absorbs from the sun Vitamin D, a deficiency for many children. Some studies suggest that vitamins, whether ingested or applied topically, may help prevent and ease sunburns. Vitamin A for its retonoids can stage off photoaging in your skin. Vitamin C can help ward off the sun’s effects. Vitamin E promotes skin healing. Take vitamin supplements or amp up the vitamin and antioxidant quotient in your nutrition via berries and lean meats.

Hydrate: Keep drinking water and eating water rich foods like watermelon, grapes, lettuce and cucumbers to hydrate and replenish fluids in your body.

Skin Check: Check your family’s skin regularly for moles or dark spots. As the Skin Cancer Foundation says “there’s no such thing as a healthy tan.” Melanoma is the most common and serious type of skin cancer. Tan skin may look good in the short term but can lead to long-term damage and premature aging.

Car Watch: Remember not to leave your children or pets unattended in the car without the windows open or air conditioner on.  Check the temperature of the car seat and metal buckles before placing them in.

Share your safe fun in the sun tips!