Is it Safe for Kids to Play in the Sun?
Parents who like to see their kids healthy and fit have a tendency to push their kids outside the house into some outdoor activity. While playing with friends in the park is a better idea as compared to sitting on the couch and twiddling thumbs on the Xbox, there are some things that have changed about the environment since the days that we were children.
High levels of pollution and exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun have made playing outdoors less safe than before. The ultraviolet rays of the sun can result in tans, burns and sun strokes too. In addition to this excessive exposure to the sun causes premature wrinkles, immune system damage and increases the risk of skin cancer.
However, this does not mean that you should prevent your kids from getting a dose of the sun. While there are some foods like milk, eggs and fish that contain vitamin D, the levels of vitamin D are meager. Some exposure to the sun is essential every day to get the daily dose of Vitamin D. It is said that more than 50% of the entire exposure to the sun occurs till the age of 18 before we start our boring routines that involves staying indoors all the time.
Given the need for the sun and outdoor activities, it is only pertinent that kids be allowed to play outside but only after taking some precautionary measures. Some of these have been listed below:
- Stay out of the sun between 10am to 3pm: Sunrays are at its peak between 10am to 3pm and therefore it is a good idea to allow your kids to get out after the sun rays have become slightly oblique. In any case, they need to have lunch and grab some rest before they head outdoors for activity.
- Play in the shade - In case you need to go out when the sun is high above, make sure to seek shade. This is something that you will need to advise your kids about so that they can ensure their own protection.
- Sunscreen of SPF15 or higher - Whether you go out during the peak hours or later, a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 is recommended. It is a good practice to apply the sunscreen on your child about 30 minutes before you actually step out.
- Protective clothing - Ever wonder why the Bedouins in the desert are always covered from head to toe even when it is so warm? Clothes can protect the skin from the harsh rays of the sun to a large extent. You only have to compare the color of your exposed skin to the covered part to know the difference clothes can make.
- Sunglasses that provide UV protection - It is not sufficient to just wear sun glasses. You must ensure that the pair that you buy for your child (and for yourself too) has additional protection from UV rays.
- Check regularly for changes in birthmarks, moles or spots - Make sure that you check your child's body regularly during bath time for any changes in the size or shape or color of birthmarks or moles. Sudden appearance of many marks or freckles should also raise an alarm. A weekly examination should help you detect anything out of the ordinary.