Don’t Fry Day is an annual event observed on the Friday before Memorial Day. Sponsored by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention (NCSCP) along with other organizations, DFD is dedicated to protection and prevention. Don’t Fry Day shines the spotlight on the harmful effects of the sun while raising awareness about the importance of protecting your skin.

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As the unofficial beginning of summer kicks off this weekend, people will be spending more and more time in the great outdoors. Now is the time to put that protection plan in place.

Ultraviolet rays are the primary cause of skin cancer which is now the most common type of cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 76,000 new cases of malignant melanoma will be diagnosed in the United States this year.

Why is it important to protect children from the sun?

• Too much sun is particularly harmful to young children, who should be kept out of direct sunlight at all times.
• Protecting children from the sun not only prevents painful sunburn, it also significantly reduces the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
• 50 per cent of total lifetime sunlight exposure occurs in childhood.
• Breezes or water can cool the skin of children playing in the sun, so excessive exposure to sunlight is not noticed until they are burned.
• Some children are sensitive to sunlight and might develop a rash.

How to protect children in the sun

• Remember that infants must be kept out of the sun entirely, while children with light skin will burn easily.
• If the child is not exposed to direct sunlight, sunscreen is not usually necessary.
• Children should be encouraged to play in the shade, wearing good protective clothing.
• Sunscreen use does not allow an increase in the time spent in sunlight.
• Sunscreen must have sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Anything less is useless.
• Make sure you use enough sunscreen; half a handful (approximately 20ml) is usually enough for the child’s entire body.
• Remember that some sunscreens come off through contact with water, sweating or rubbing with a towel.
• Re-apply sunscreen every couple of hours during a day in the sun, especially if they are in and out of water.
• Keep children out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.

Five things to remember:

• Small children should always be kept in the shade.
• Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm.
• Stay in the shade as much as possible.
• Good protection is provided by light clothes and a hat.
• Children should be given sunscreen with a high SPF (at least 30).

Q: How to Protect Yourself?

A: Wear protection! Make sure to generously apply sunscreen and reapply after swimming, sweating and about every two hours.

B., Stay in the shade if at all possible, especially between 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.

C. You can burn even on a cloudy day. In fact, some of the worst sunburns occur on a hazy or cloudy day.

D. Cover up – wear sun-protective clothing including a hat and sunglasses.

E. Don’t burn!