SUN SAFE FAMILY DAYS OUT

If you're planning a family day trip this summer, chances are you'll be outside, maybe at the beach or leisure park, enjoying the summer sun.
It's important that you're well prepared. Don't let sunburn ruin your day. It's not just painful and unsightly but can cause more permanent damage. Babies and young children need special care because they can't protect themselves and aren't aware of the risks of too much sun. Be prepared and follow a few simple steps to help you / your family enjoy the summer sun more safely.

Don't get caught out
You don't have to be sunbathing to get sunburnt. Simply walking around in the sunshine can be enough for you to burn. Sometimes you may not realise how long you've been out in the sun, for example if you're waiting for a ride at a theme park. Don't get caught out this summer - take care especially when you're:

• Queueing - While you're waiting in queues it's easy to forget that you're still exposed to the sun's rays. You may well not know how long you'll have to spend waiting. So cover up first - don't wait until you can feel your skin burning.
  
• Swimming - When you're dipping in and out of cool water at the beach or pool, you probably won't feel as hot. But the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays reflect off water making you burn faster. Use a water-resistant sunscreen before you head into the water and re-apply regularly.
• In the car - Keep the temperature in the car cool. Babies can overheat in warm weather and may feel hot and uncomfortable. Give them frequent drinks to prevent them getting dehydrated and never leave them alone in the car.
  

Before heading off out don't forget to pack these summer essentials:

• Wide-brimmed hat. Make sure it covers the face and back of the neck.
  
• Clothing is an important way to protect yourself from the sun. Take a T-shirt with longer sleeves for added protection. Loose fitting clothing will help keep you cool.
• High-factor sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply to exposed parts of the body, spread liberally and re-apply regularly.
• Sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the sun - the more expensive pairs may not be the most protective. Choose a pair that has 100% UV block.
• Water. Children, and babies in particular, can dehydrate quickly in warm weather so take lots of water with you.
• Shade. If you're visiting somewhere that might not have much shade, create your own with a beach umbrella, cabana or parasol.

Hot Tips

• Take care not to burn. Remember you can still get burnt on a day with light cloud or a cool breeze.
• Shift to the shade around midday when the sun is at its hottest.
• Cover up with loose fitting clothing and a hat.
• Use a high-factor sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
• Take special care of babies and young children. Keep babies less than 12 months out of the sun.

Sunburn, or redness of the skin, is a sign of damaged skin. Sunburn as a child leads to a greater risk of skin cancer in later life but the good news is that four out of five cases of skin cancer are preventable. Simple precautions can make all the difference. Cover up and enjoy the summer.

Contact the Health Promotion Officer on
Tel: 51335 for more information.