Sunscreen – Keeping it Fun in the Sun

This year, almost 60,000 people will be diagnosed with invasive melanoma* (skin cancer) because they have spent too much time in the sun without proper protection. Fortunately it is possible to reduce, or possibly eliminate, any chance of getting skin cancer by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen any time you plan to be out in the sun.

Here are some actions you can take to reduce your risks of skin cancer:

• The sun’s peak ultraviolet (UV) strength is from 10 AM to 4 PM. If at all possible, avoid non-protected exposure especially during these hours.
• If you must go out during the peak hours, wear a light-weight, long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat to help protect your skin.
• Put on sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside. The most effective sunscreens have an SPF rating of 30 or more. If you plan to remain outside, reapply sunscreen every two hours.
• Pay attention to your skin. Check the pigmentation as well as the size and shape of any visible moles. Note any changes on a piece of paper, and then contact your doctor if you are concerned about them.

Teach your children at a young age about the importance of wearing sunscreen every single time they go outside.  In our family, we liken it to wearing a seatbelt in the car, it takes just a moment to put on, but could save your life (or at the very least a miserable week recovering from a badly burned back!).

Pediatricians recommend that babies less than six months old be kept in light-weight long-sleeved shirts and pants if they have to go out in the sun. Hats and baby sunglasses will protect their eyes. Most sunscreens are not recommended for infants under 6 months so generally keeping them out of the sun is the best approach. If you must apply sunscreen, talk to your pediatrician and read the labels carefully.

Everyone in your family, no matter their age, should wear sunscreen whenever they plan to be outside for more than 30 minutes.

What should you look for when purchasing sunscreen?

• Choose one that provides both UVA and UVB protection.
• Match the sunscreen to the activity. If you’re going to be swimming, use one that is waterproof or water-resistant.
• The higher the sun protection factor (SPF), the more you’ll be protected.
• Find and use only those sunscreens that carry the Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of approval.

Playing in the sun can be a fun and healthy event for your family. When they wear sunscreen, the risks of uncomfortable sunburn and even worse, melanoma are minimal. Just remember to reapply often and follow these sunscreen tips for your entire family.

*Source: Melanoma.org

Outdoor Pesticides and Kids

Since there’s so much life in a garden, people may think it’s a safe place to be in. Unfortunately that’s not always the case, particularly if you use pesticides in your garden. Knowing what pesticides do to the insects and animals in the garden, it may give you cause to think. Outdoor pesticides and kids – is it really worth the risk?

Of course, there are other things in a garden that could be harmful to a child. There is something you can do about it, however. You can learn about everything in your garden – pesticides that may be used, the natural flora and fauna you might find, and how to properly use any garden tools, and being watchful of children while they’re in the garden with you. With diligence you can avoid the potential hazards in your garden and keep pets and people safe.

If you choose to use chemical pesticides, at least do your best to keep them away from your children. You can do this by clearly labeling them as poisons, properly closing them after use, and storing them in such a way children can’t get to them. The easiest way to avoid any potential problem associated with chemical fertilizers, weed killers, and insecticides, however, is to not use them.

While you might find one or two pesticides that aren’t hazardous to pets and people, they are few and far between. One such pesticide is known as “milky spore,” a bacterium that is not known to be dangerous to people, animals, or any beneficial insects you may have in your garden. In fact, it is a very selective insecticide that will only kill certain types of beetles.

Pesticides are used to prevent insect infestation, kill them, or make it so that plants aren’t palatable to the insects and thus repel them. Nearly every type can be harmful to people, animals, or the environment. To understand how dangerous pesticides are, manufacturers must label them with signal words:

• The word “Danger” is the apex of words used on labels. Use of chemicals with this label requires extreme care. Improper use could result in children being sick, hurt for an extended period, blindness, or even death. This designation is also used to indicate the chemical could explode if it gets too hot.
• “Warning” labels indicate a less severe danger. This doesn’t mean they’re safe, but are not quite as dangerous as those with the “danger” label. Serious injury or illness could still result. This label also identifies chemicals that can catch on fire quite easily.
• “Caution” labels lead users to be careful when using them. While the dangers aren’t quite as serious as those with “danger” or “warning” labels, there are inherent problems associated with using them. You could develop skin irritations, illness from breathing the fumes, or serious damage to your eyes if it is splashed into them.

Store pesticides in containers that will keep them from curious eyes. But what should you do if someone is exposed to them? Quickly find out which chemical was spilled, breathed, or ingested so you can give this information to Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or 911 when you call them. If the chemicals got into the eyes, rinse them out for 15-20 minutes under a shower or running water. If splashed, clothing must be removed and the skin rinsed for the same amount of time.

Remember that pesticides are poison and be sure to treat them accordingly. Knowing what they do, when considering outdoor pesticides and having kids, is it worth the risk?