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It’s the time of the year when we need to talk about protecting ourselves and our families from the harmful effects of the sun. Obviously, sunscreen is the most important line of defense…But if you’re using sunscreen that was left over from last year, you may not be getting the protection you think you are. That’s because sunscreen has an expiration date.

Check out Midwest Moms – Here Comes the Sun…

That first sunburn of the year can be painful — best to avoid it altogether with a little prevention.

If you’re headed out with your crew, these tips might save you a little hurt later on:

Keep your eye on the clock – The sun is strongest from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Early morning and later afternoon sun are less damaging to the skin.

Stock up on Sunscreen – Did you know that your sunscreen has an expiration date? It is best to purchase sunscreen in small bottles that can be replaced frequently.

As adults we need to take protection from the harmful effects of the sun seriously. But as parents, we need to be even more diligent with our children. Because just one sunburn as a child increases the chances of developing skin cancer as an adult.

From Netmums…

There is a link between sunburn in childhood and instances of skin cancer in later life, it has been noted.

British Association of Dermatologists spokesperson Rebecca Freeman said many thirty-somethings contracting the disease now “may have suffered sunburn as a child when the long term effects of sunbathing and the importance of protecting your skin from the sun were perhaps not fully understood”.

Find out more facts about the dangerous effects of the sun from Single Minded Women – Think Protection…

These four facts are dramatic and if they don’t get your attention, I’m not sure what will.

First, know that skin cancer and melanoma account for about 50% of all types of cancers diagnosed combined.

Second, skin cancer is one of the more preventable types of cancer, if you follow some simple steps.

What do you do when your child comes home with a sunburn?

From Mamalouges – The opposite of sun worship…

When I first saw how bad the boys’ sunburns were upon returning from their grandparents’ I was shocked; when I saw that Ewan had developed blisters the size of quarters on his upper arms I almost cried and would have were not two boys depending on me to hold my stuff together.

Here is what Kids Health recommends for treatment of your child’s sunburn…

• If your child does get a sunburn, these tips may help:
• Keep your child in the shade until the sunburn is healed. Any additional sun exposure will only increase the severity of the burn and increase pain.
• Have your child take a cool (not cold) bath, or gently apply cool, wet compresses to the skin to help alleviate pain and heat.
• Apply pure aloe vera gel (available in most pharmacies or taken directly from within the leaves of the plant) to any sunburned areas. It’s excellent for relieving sunburn pain and helping skin heal quicker.
• Give your child a pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen and spray on over-the-counter “after-sun” pain relievers. (Do not, however, give aspirin to children or teens.)
• Apply topical moisturizing cream to rehydrate the skin and help reduce swelling. For the most severely burned areas, apply a thin layer of 1% hydrocortisone cream. (Do not use petroleum-based products, because they prevent excess heat and sweat from escaping. Also, avoid first-aid products that contain benzocaine, which may cause skin irritation or allergy.)
• If the sunburn is severe and blisters develop, call your doctor.

From Go Graham Go – Sun Safety and Summer Sun Protection…

Health professionals recommend that children and adults spend at least 15 minutes in the sun every day because the sun is the primary source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important in the absorption of calcium for stronger, healthier bones. Although, staying out in the sun unprotected for too long can cause skin damage and increase your risk for skin cancer.

Most kids spend about 50-80% of their lifetime sun exposure before they turn 18. Parents should teach their children proper sun safety especially during the warm summer months.

From I Run In Heels – The sun hates me…

My friends laugh when I pull out my 70 SPF sunscreen, as they debate between 15 and 30. But they don’t know my deep, dark secret.
The sun hates me.

I used to think the sun and I were friendly acquaintances. We’d wave a hello and then each mind our own business. We were never going to be BFF’s but we tolerated each other. Now I know.
The sun hates me.

I have always tried to use a sunscreen with at least SPF of 15, but after my recent trip to the dermatologist I was told that I should use at least SPF of 70 or more on my face. For me, it’s about more than just sunscreen. I also sit under an umbrella when I go to the beach, and use sunless tanning products to minimize my need tan. I just bought a great hat too, but I keep forgetting to wear it.

So…Be safe and enjoy your summer.

Also See:

Suzanne Wagner wrote – A Sunscreen How-To

The American Cancer Society – Sun Safety

The SunAWARE Blog

Protect Yourself and Your Children From The Harmful Effects of The Sun (cross-posted at BlogHer Health & Wellness)