Defending Kids from Ultraviolet Rays

Early childhood is a time to take pleasure in the outdoors, but it is not a time to increase the risk of skin cancer.rnRegrettably, kids are incapable to protect themselves against the risk of sunburn. It is our job as caregivers to guard them. rnThe rate of melanoma a form of skin cancer is on the rise in the United States. pre primary teacher training course says thatdeaths from skin cancer may increase as much as 20 times over the next several decades. This can be credited in large part to the fact that the ozone layer i.e. a region of the upper atmosphere is lessening. The ozone normally absorbs solarrnultraviolet radiation. As the ozone layer thin our exposure to ultraviolet emission increases. rnJust one or two stern sunburns in childhood can considerably increase a person’s chances of developing skin cancer later in life. Two types of solar radiation reach the Earth’s surface. Both Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B radiation (UVA and UVB)can harm the skin. UVB burns the skin rapidly, while UVA burns the skin over time. Both types of radiation are presentyear-round. While most people burn faster in the summer months, on cloudy days as much as 80 percent of the burning rays still reach the Earth. Therefore, it is vital to be aware of sun protection throughout the year. rnKids, who have light skin, live in the southwest states, live at high altitudes, have many moles at birth, or have family histories of skin cancer are mainly at risk. Caucasians develop melanoma most frequently, but African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics are at risk as well. All kids, no matter what their skin shade, should be protected. While it is best to stay out of the sun between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when rays are the strongest, this is often hard to do. rnAccording to online teacher training course the next best thing is to have a policy of applying sunscreen to all kids before they go out to play. Sunscreen lotions should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. This means that if it usually takes a kid 20 minutes to develop sunburn, it will take 15 times as long (300 minutes) with SPF 15 sunscreen applied. Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes before going outside and needs to be reapplied after water play. It is easiest to apply sunscreen before dressing. Montessori training course advises that wearing Long sleeves with a tight weave and wide-brimmed hats will offer increased protection. Several products on the market are planned especially for kids’ sensitive skin--but read the directions carefully. Most sunscreen products should not be used on kids six months or younger because their tiny bodies may soak up chemicals through the skin. Always seek advice from with a rnpediatrician before using sunscreen on kids younger than six months.Because it is time-consuming to apply sunscreen to each child, try to educate parents about the significance of sun rnprotection and have parents apply sunscreen to their kids before they are sent to school each day. Post a memento to parents near your sign-in sheet. Also, keep a bottle of sunscreen accessible for when parents forget to protect their kids. If asked,many parents will contribute sunscreen to your center, helping defray your cost.