Despite decades of educational efforts, such as the "My 3Cs" programs, the average American is still not getting the message about the danger of exposure to the sun from UV radiation, according to a 2007 survey of sunscreen usage conducted for PreSun Sunscreen by Harris Interactive.  If adults are not getting the message -- and you can see by the following statistics that if they are, they are ignoring it -- then at least make sure you start your children on the path to healthy, lifelong skin and eye care.

The PreSun/Harris Interactive Survey of men and women 18-years of age and over revealed the following behaviors that are contrary to recommendations by healthcare experts:

• More than a third of adults (39%) are not using sunscreens at all on themselves
• Less than a third of adults (29%) apply sunscreen properly - before leaving home
• More than half of adults (57%) remember using sunscreen as a teenager
• Only 10% report having a healthcare provider advise them to use sunscreen regularly
• Only one in five adults (21%) stays out of the sun in the afternoon when the sun is strongest
• Even less, 15%, wear sunscreen when working, playing or exercising outdoors in the winter
• Nearly one in 10 (9%) "likes to get a little color first before putting on sunscreen"
• Among adults who report using sunscreen, less than two thirds (60%) are concerned that the sunscreen they purchase has an SPF of 15 or more

Let me reiterate that the heat and rays of the sun can lead to dehydration and can promote the development of skin cancer. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their large body surface area exposure.

The Sun's Hazards 

The sun's rays are most intense in the late morning and early afternoon (10am - 4 pm). Sun exposure at high elevations increases the risk for severe sunburn. The suns rays may reflect off of water and sand and metal parts of strollers and cause an unsuspecting child to sunburn.

If your child spends time in the sun and is taking certain medications (like sulfa antibiotics) an unusual skin reaction and rash can occur. Sunlight also interferes with wound healing and promotes scarring; apply highly protective sunscreen to healing cuts for at least 6 months after the cut occurred.

To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of liquids (not just water!) when spending time in hot weather.

Sun Precautions

To protect a child, limit sun exposure during the "hottest" hours. If older than 6 months of age, apply children's sunscreen (greater than SPF #15 is best) liberally and frequently throughout the day.

Look for the words "broad spectrum" on the label; this means the contents will screen out both ultraviolet A and B rays. Remember that "water proof sunscreen" will rinse off; reapply after getting wet or sweaty. Don't forget to apply sunscreen to your child's ears and scalp.

If your infant is younger than 6 months, avoid prolonged sun exposure, shade your child, put on a hat, and layer your child's clothes. Small amounts of sunscreen lotion can be used on infants also.

The sun can penetrate porous clothing. Consider investing in some of the new sun-resistant clothes (made of up to UPF 50 synthetics) being sold through catalogues such as "Sun Precautions" and "Magellans"; use Google to find garments rated as "sun resistant" or search "clothing with SPF" and you'll be surprised at the variety available. The pioneering Cancer Council of Australia (011 61 2 9334 1953) also markets sun-resistant products.

This risk isn't only skin deep. Protective sunglasses are now widely available and should be used if properly secured on your child's face.

Have fun in the sun but stay covered, cool and coated!