Beat the Heat: Sun Safety Tips for Children

Whether this is your first summer in Dubai or you are a long-time resident, by now you know that Dubai’s summers sizzle. It’s important to create healthy skin protection habits from a young age to reduce the risk of short term health issues such as heat stroke and sunburn as well as the long term complications that can arise. Remember, sun exposure provides crucial Vitamin D which helps absorb calcium for stronger bones, however the proper protection must be used in order to stay healthy.

Did you know sunlight contains three types of ultraviolet rays?

UVA rays make up the majority of sun exposure and pass through the ozone layer, which is the protective shield surrounding the earth. These rays cause skin aging, wrinkling and can contribute to certain types of skin cancer.

UVB rays are mostly absorbed by the ozone layer but the rays that pass through can cause sunburn and affect the immune system.

UVC rays are the most dangerous, but these are blocked by the ozone layer and do not reach the earth. However, pollution has caused ozone levels to be depleted by 4% each decade! This is why we must be responsible and care for our earth, otherwise we cause irreversible damage to the ozone layer and become exposed to harmful UV rays.

Encourage children to wear hats with a flap on the back or a wide brimmed hat.

Apply SPF30+ to all areas of exposed skin prior to doing any activity outside and reapply every 1-2 hours. Don’t forget to check the expiration date on the sun lotion, they are much less effective if expired!

Try to schedule outdoor activities before 10 a.m. and after 2 p.m. when sun is less damaging during the hotter months from May to September.

Children learn through example: Parents should set a good example by wearing hats and applying sunscreen regularly.

Make sure there is shade nearby so your children can have a cooler place to rest and escape the sun.

Bring plenty of liquids and water with you to keep hydrated while outdoors.

Avoid buying and using aerosol sprays.

Check your home AC, car AC, freezer and refrigerator regularly. If these aren’t working properly, they can emit a harmful chemical called CFC into the atmosphere.

Save energy by switching lights & appliances off when not in use, using public transportation and reducing the use of air conditioning.

The Blossom Nursery is an award-winning, early years education provider in Dubai and has been parents’ choice since 2009! Blossom’s vision is to “believe, achieve, bECOme, blossom” and provide a secure and stimulating environment where each child reaches his/her own potential. Blossom has been named the Nursery Provider of the Year with spaces that impact learning, making it more than a nursery school – this is the place where we nurture and develop our young into leaders of tomorrow. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter !