Guest Post By: Cascia Talbert

Health professionals recommend that children and adults spend at least 15 minutes in the sun every day because the sun is the primary source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important in the absorption of calcium for stronger, healthier bones. Although, staying out in the sun unprotected for too long can cause skin damage and increase your risk for skin cancer.

Most kids spend about 50-80% of their lifetime sun exposure before they turn 18. Parents should teach their children proper sun safety especially during the warm summer months.

Sunlight has three forms of ultraviolet rays, UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA rays pass effortlessly through the ozone layer and make up the majority of our sun exposure. Exposure to UVA rays can cause our skin to darken. Tanning beds use these rays. Most people don't realize that even if your skin tans it is still a sign of skin damage. Excessive tanning can lead to wrinkling, and skin cancer such as melanoma.

UVB rays can cause sunburns, cataracts and immune system damage. These rays also contribute to the development of skin cancer. Melanoma is usually associated with severe sunburns caused by UVB rays before the age of 20. This is why it is especially important that you keep your kids covered when they are exposed to the sun.

UVC rays are the most dangerous but they are completely absorbed by the ozone layer and don't reach the earth.

Always make sure you are protecting your family's skin from UVA and UVB rays to prevent skin damage. Here are some helpful tips to help you protect your kids' from the sun.

• Toss your sunscreen after one year. Just like cosmetics sunscreens have expiration dates. Although, it is not required by law for the manufacturers to provide the expiration dates on the packages. After about a year of sitting on a shelf or in a closet sunscreen will lose its effectiveness and should be replaced.
• Make sure your sunscreen says that it will protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Here are a few brands that protect from both of these harmful rays; MD Suncare, California Baby, Coppertone, and Banana Boat.





• Cover your kids up. Make sure you protect their heads with a hat, use sunglasses to prevent sun damage to their eyes and put a long sleeved shirt on them. Don't forget to apply sunscreen every time your child goes outside to play.

Sun damage can increase your child's risk for skin cancer as an adult. Make sure you are taking the appropriate steps to protect them from the sun now. Also teach them about sun exposure risks and how to protect themselves. After all, you are your children's most important role model.