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Our Little Treasure
- Staying Safe in the Sun By now we are
all aware of the dangers of too much time in the sun. As a society we are
gradually become more 'sun sensible', forgoing the exotic natural tan and
preserving the health of our skin for decades to come.
Teaching children to be sun safe is really
important, as it is these 'safety habits' that they will carry forward with
them into their adult lives, hopefully avoiding most of the sun-related
complications many adults find that they are now experiencing due to years
of unprotected sun exposure.
Give your child's skin a great start to life
and try some of these sun safe ideas this Summer!
-
 Restrict Outside Play in the Middle
of the Day - Current Cancer Council Guidelines recommend avoiding
outside play between 11am and 3pm. If your child really wants to play
outside during these times, make sure you have lots of available shade,
a hat, appropriate clothing and sunscreen to ensure they are fully
protected. Encourage your child to stay in the shaded areas.
- Adopt a 'No Hat, No Outside Play'
Policy - Every time your child goes outside, remind them to put on a
hat. Eventually it will become second nature and they will reach for
their hat without having to be prompted. It may mean you find yourself
chasing Toddlers around the garden replacing their hat every 2 minutes,
but it is worth persevering to encourage positive sun habits.
- There Are Hats and There Are 'Hats' -
The most sensible sun safe option when choosing a hat for your child
is one that incorporates a Legionnaire-Style, with a wide brim covering
their face and long material flaps over their ears and the back of their
neck. Work on the theory that if you can't see skin, it can't get burnt!
Combine this with regular applications of sunscreen and your child
should be just about ready for anything!
- Model Good Sun Safe Practices -
When outside you need to wear a hat too! This not only shows your child
the right thing to do when going outside, you will be protecting your
skin at the same time.
- Start
the Day by Applying Sunscreen - Even in Winter months the sun can be
damaging to your skin. Get into the habit of starting the day with an
application of sunscreen all over your child's face and body and reapply
as needed throughout the day. Remember to cleanse your child's skin
thoroughly at night to prevent blocked pours.
- Dressed for Success - To be
completely sun safe your child should always have their shoulders and
neck covered with a collared shirt and long sleeves if possible.
Children's muslin kaftans are a great way to stay cool and protected
when outside. Try to avoid thin strappy singlets and tops that leave
little shoulders and necks exposed. Many Child Care Centres will not
allow your child to play outside if they are not appropriately dressed,
so go the sun sensible options to ensure your child is covered and able
to play.
- Sun Safe Schools - Make enquiries
with your child's school as to their sun safe policy. Encourage your
child to take a spray bottle of sunscreen to school with them to reapply
during the day, and ALWAYS send your child to school or care with a hat.
Make sure you let your child's teacher know if they have sunscreen with
them in their bag.
- Sunglasses Statement - Very cool
and a great way to protect your eyes from the sun. Purchase a pair with
appropriately tinted lenses for full protection.
- At the Beach or Pool - Rash
Vests, Sunscreen and/ or Zink, a Hat, sunglasses, a sensible shade option like an
umbrella or shade tent, what else can we say...
For more information on staying safe in the
sun you can visit the following websites:
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