Summer is around the corner even though Oklahoma has had snow in May! Outdoor play is important for “children to use movement to express feelings, manipulate objects, and learn about the world.”(Active for life by Stephen Sanders) It also gives you the added benefit of Vitamin D and children getting their “wiggles out”.

As it gets hotter, Oklahoma Child Care Warmline would like to remind you about sun safety. “Evidence suggests that ultraviolet radiation (UVR), from sun exposure and sunburns during early life, is associated with increased risk of melanoma and other skin cancers in adulthood” AAP Summer Sunburn and Sun Exposure Among US Youths Ages 11 to 18. Here is a list of sun safety tips:

• During the hottest part of the summer children should do most of their play before 10 and after 3. • All outdoor playgrounds should have a shaded area. • Children over 6 months of age should use sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 and should be applied 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply sunscreen every 30 minutes, even on cloudy days.

Sunscreen should not be used on children under 6 months of age do to chemical may be too strong. Children under 6 months of age should stay out of direct sunlight because their skin is thinner and more sensitive. • Wear light weight, loose fitting clothing in the sun. • Receive parents’ written permission to apply sunscreen to their children. (Good Health Handbook).

Sun Safety

Sunburn