UV Ready

If anyone had any questions about how hot upstate New York can get, last week was sure to set the record straight. Last week’s heatwave is a great reason to keep in mind important sun and heat safety tips for the family. Just because it gets hot–sometimes really, really hot–doesn’t mean we can’t get outside and enjoy all that upstate New York has to offer. We’ve talked about the importance of hiking and tick preparedness, but in recognition of the last week of UV Safety Month, let’s take a closer look at ways to keep safe and cool when it’s bright and hot outside.

Sunburns happen when the amount of UV exposed to the skin outmatches the level of protection offered by the skin’s melanin. While different skin tones have different levels of melanin, it’s recommended that all kids use SPF 30 or higher when playing in the sun.

Like so many things we talk about when it comes to keeping our kids as safe and happy as can be, it’s extremely important to be prepared. Try and get a layer of sunscreen on your children 15 - 30 minutes before they go outside. If you’re planning on spending some time in the water, be sure the sunscreen is water-resistant, and that you’re reapplying generously. Water-resistant sunscreen can last up to right around an hour and a half. As for your regular sunscreen, be sure to reapply often, every two hours or so, and reapply generously.

Be sure to avoid sunscreen with vitamin A. While eating  vitamin A is great for you, spreading it on your skin can cause tumors and lesions. Also, don’t use any skin or lip product whose label includes retinyl palmitate, retinol or vitamin A. Keep an eye out for oxybenzone, a synthetic estrogen that penetrates the skin and can disrupt the hormone system. Instead look for products with zinc oxide, 3 percent avobenzone or Mexoryl SX. They protect skin from harmful UVa radiation.

Whenever the family is out enjoying the sun and the hot summer days, be sure to stay mindful of the signs of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. As always, be prepared and by keeping the kids hydrated by drinking plenty of fluid before being exposed to the sun, by wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and by being ready to hit the shade as soon as they start feeling like they’re overheated.

Besides sunscreen, here are some additional tips for staying sun safe:

  • Keep out of the sun when it’s strongest (usually that’s between 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

  • Pack your sunglasses with 100% UV protection

  • Read up on your medicines or talk to your doctor, because some medicines can make skin more sensitive to UV exposure

With proper preparedness and knowledge, you and the fam can be UV ready for these fun, sunny summer months.

Preschoolers, School Age, Toddlers, BabiesMatt Whitman