Childproof Your Summer: Sunscreen
Keep your kids safe without spoiling summer fun:
3. Get serious about sunscreen. If you haven't yet succeeded at training the kids to use sunscreen, new research adds some heat. A team at the University of North Carolina has linked a high cumulative level of sun exposure between infancy and age 20 with the development of a mutation known as braf in the skin cancer gene, which accounts for about half of all melanomas. Kids of all ages should religiously use a sunscreen that protects against both UVB and UVA radiation, experts say.
While the sun-protection factor measures UVB protection, there is not yet a rating system for UVA coverage. Instead, you'll have to check the ingredient list. Look for new sunscreens containing the highly effective UVA blocker Mexoryl SX, or titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or avobenzone, all of which block both types of rays.
(A video about your choices shows at www.usnews.com/sunscreen.)
Other ways to childproof your summer:
1. Wakeboarding • 2. Trampolines • 3. Sunscreen • 4. Drowning • 5. Internet Safety • 6. Exercise• 7. Vaccines • 8. Bug Spray • 9. All-Terrain Vehicles • 10. Medications at Camp • 11. Hydration • 12. Amusement-Park Rides
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