Summer means sea and sun. These are the main reasons that make this time so special in the life of young and older. However, in order to remain always happy, we must - especially as parents - learn to protect ourselves and our children from both.
The sun is life. We need it because, among other things, it activates the vitamin D in our body, which is essential for the absorption of calcium. A small exposure to the sun is enough to ensure that our body has this function.
Long-term exposure to the sun without protection causes damage not only to the skin but also to the eyes and defense system of the body. Taking into account that because of our climate we are exposed to the sun for more than half the time of our lives, we understand the importance of knowing how to protect it, but also to do it.
How to protect your children from the sun
1. Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 3 pm You put sunscreen in any circumstance at this time, and because UV rays also pass through the clouds, it is good to protect them on cloudy days.
2. Especially babies under 6 months of age, who can not use sunscreen, prefer to clothe them with light clothing and make sure that they do not get sunburned.
Use sunscreen correctly:
- Apply about 30 minutes before sun exposure. Do not forget the lips, ears, but also the upper legs.
- Repeat when the child gets into the sea or sweat much, and certainly after two hours.
3. Give particular consideration to the sunscreen protection indicator you choose. It must always be greater than 15. It should also be listed as protecting against ultraviolet radiation UVA and UVB.
4. Choose good quality sunglasses. Glasses must protect 100% of UV radiation because the eyes are particularly sensitive. Children with light-colored eyes need even greater protection.
5. There are medicines that increase the sensitivity of the skin to the sun. Consult your doctor and read the instructions to make sure sun exposure is risky.
In case the child is sunburned:
- Encourage it not to scratch its skin.
- Make the bath with cool water.
- Give him the painkiller if the pain is intense.
- Apply moisturizing creams. They also help in relief.
- Avoid exposure to the sun until the child has recovered, in order not to make the situation worse.
- If the burn is intense or bubbles have started, talk to your doctor.
The other big issue is the protection of our children in the seas, swimming pools and water in general, since the issue is affected. It is good to know what the data says, depending on age.
Under the age of one: Babies are usually drowned in bathtubs and toilets.
1-4 years old: Young children are usually drowned in swimming pools, hot tubs and thermal spas.
Older children, adolescents and young adults: Most drownings in these age groups occur in natural water sources.
Basics of child safety in water
rule #1 - Supervision
Children should be monitored whenever they are around the water. This applies whether the water is in a bathtub, a fish pond, a swimming pool, a spa, the sea or a lake.
Young children are particularly exposed. They can drown in less than 6 centimeters of water. This means drowning can even happen in inflatable pools.
Always keep a close eye on children when they are in or near any water, regardless of their bathing skills. Even children who know how to swim can be at risk of choking. For example, a child can slip and fall on the deck of the pool, lose consciousness and fall into the pool.
Young children and weak swimmers should have an adult swimmer in a walking distance.
rule #2 - swimming lessons
Children over 4 years of age need to learn how to swim. Smaller children can also take advantage of the lessons. They will not yet learn to swim, but lessons can help them start learning about water safety.
rule #3 - Inflatable items are toys, not life jackets
rule #5 - teach them not to dive into the water without checking the depth and morphology of the bottom
As a basic principle, therefore, it is advisable not to underestimate the exposure of children to the sun, as well as the seriousness of our responsibility for children in the water.
source: kidshealth.org, www.paidiatros.com
By Aggeliki Koskeridou
Holistic Doctor – Counseling Psychotherapist
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
MSc Health Psychology
insta: dr_aggelikikoskeridou_official
