#SUNSAFESELFIE Practicing Sun Saftey
/Warm weather is fast approaching, parents should start thinking about outdoor safety. Here are some safety tips when it comes to sun exposure.
As we all know Central Texas can be very warm in the spring and summer months. We recommend all children should be covered up when going outside. This means hats, light weight clothing, and of course sunscreen. We recommend sunscreen with protection of SPF 15 or greater. One of the most common causes of sunburn we see at the pediatric clinic are sunburns that happen when sunscreen was not reapplied. We recommend applying sunscreen liberally, around one ounce, no less than every two hours. If swimming or sweating profusely then we recommend every hour. Children less than 6 months of age we recommend no direct sun exposure. Infants this age should avoid the heat of the day and should spend their time outdoors in the morning or late evening. If sun exposure cannot be avoided, then they should be dressed in light weight clothing that covers arms and legs and large brim hats.
Keep hydrated. Hydration is a key factor to our children’s health. With the heat of the Texas sun, this can become more challenging than usual. Here are some fun ways to encourage more water intake:
Make water visible- have a designated water cup ready to go and offer to refill it throughout the day.
Make it fun and tasty-add their favorite fruits for some extra flavor, pick out a silly straw or fun ice cube trays.
Keep it cold- make homemade ice pops with 100% fruit juice and water, add a stick and freeze in a tray.
Eat more fruits and vegetables- watermelon, broccoli, strawberries and cucumbers all have high amounts of water in them. Make sure your kids are eating around 5 servings of fruits and veggies a day to help them stay hydrated.
For more sun safety tips please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/sunsafeselfie/index.htm
As always if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office! Enjoy the fresh air and warmer weather!