Okay – I don’t know about you but I have definitely heard enough warnings to make me rightly cautious when exposing my kids to the sun. Be it from my doctor, pharmacist, the media or my colleagues here at the Halton Region Health Department, I have heard the messages loud and clear.

I come from a generation that had no knowledge of the health risks of unprotected sun exposure – so I’m reeeeeally hoping a touch more ozone protected the earth back then! “Yo, 16-year-old me: How ‘bout you don’t slather baby oil (or even cooking oil) all over your skin hoping to bake in the sun?!” Wow, did I really do that?

Knowing what I know now (and having had a worrisome mole removed once already) I am bound and determined to protect my kids from the sun, right from the start. The tricky part is achieving that while giving them every possible opportunity to have fun and play outdoors – whatever the activity or the weather.

So – here’s what I actually do…highly academic I know…wait for it…I run after them providing protection: shade, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats and sleeves whenever possible and reapplying sunscreen – especially around the pool! (This holds its own challenges as I have already wiped out on the slippery deck once trying to wrangle my son outta the pool for a re-slathering! But all was not lost – the turquoise sling on my arm really made my eyes POP!)

There is a the silver lining though…I’m getting lots and lots of physical activity chasing after them all the time and I wouldn’t trade the outdoor family fun for the world. And they are being prepared for a lifetime of healthy, cancer-free skin. Win-win if you ask me! Here’s to a fun and safe summer in the glorious sun! Enjoy your family – and trust me on the sunscreen.

What’s your take on safe summer fun in the sun?  

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• Call the HaltonParents line for parenting information or to speak directly to a Public Health Nurse (every Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Simply dial 311 or 905-825-6000.

About this blogger:

Paula D’Orazio RN is a public health nurse with the Early Years Health Program.  Wanna know more about her?  Read her blogs!  She’ll tell ya!  (She kinda likes to talk.)