Summer Sun Safety (continued)

Are generic brands just as good as name brands?

All sunscreen products, brand name or generic, are supposed to have been tested to ensure that they provide the SPF that is claimed on the product label.

What are some of the benefits of sunshine and outdoor play?

The only known benefit of sunshine on the human body is its ability to cause the skin to produce vitamin D. In prior ages, this was the most important source of vitamin D.  However, today there’s a safer and more reliable way to achieve adequate vitamin D levels by taking a vitamin supplement. These are now readily available and inexpensive. The healthiest lifestyle, in my opinion, consists of practicing careful sun protection and taking a vitamin D supplement to compensate for the lack of sun exposure. Many experts recommend approximately 1,000 I.U. per day for otherwise healthy adults who protect their skin from the sun. The amount for children depends on their age, so it would be best
for parents to ask their pediatrician. Physical exercise, whether indoors or outdoors, remains beneficial and highly desirable, but the objective is to protect against overexposure to the sun while enjoying
outdoor activities.

For more information on summer sun safety, visit www.sunsafetyforkids.