Lafayette parish schools have wrapped up for the school year and the kids are ready
for summer. This means lots of fun and lots of sun – which there seems to be plenty of
these days! So before the kids start soaking up the rays, remember to Keep Sun
Fun. Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. and sun,
specifically UV rays, is the number one cause of skin cancer?
Now that you’re in the know, here are some tips to help with sun protection. When
choosing sunscreen, make sure to choose one labeled broad spectrum. This protects
from UVA and UVB rays, both are culprits for skin cancer. Also, use an SPF of 30 or
higher. SPF is the level of protection provided against UVB rays. An SPF of 30 filters
97% of UVB rays while an SPF of 50 filters 98% of UVB rays and an SPF of 100 filters
99% of UVB rays. Regardless of sunscreen type, always reapply every 2 hours. If at
all possible avoid direct sunlight during the hours of 11 am to 3 pm when rays are
the strongest. Also, don’t forget to protect the eyes. The American Academy of
Ophthalmology recommends that all babies and kids wear hats and UV-blocking
sunglasses to prevent future diseases like cataracts and eye cancers.
Finally, when choosing the right sunscreen keep in mind who the sunscreen is for.
Sprays are great for older children, but may cause lung irritation in children with
asthma and babies. If you have a child with sensitive skin or eczema, stay away
from scented sunscreens. There are also tear free formulas that are very helpful if
you’re child is planning on getting wet (or even just sweating a little).
Happy Summer!
