Consider making your next baby gift a pair of sunglasses – a gift that is thoughtful, unique, practical, a gentle reminder for new parents to start sun protection early, and, hopefully, a trendsetter that others will follow. 1. Infants’ eyes absorb more harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays than adults. Infants have relatively large pupils, allowing more […]
Facts you may not know about protecting your children from the sun
Little darlings, it’s been a long coronavirus winterLittle darlings, it feels like years since the sun ‘s been here Little darlings, I feel that the ice is finally melting Little darlings, it seems like years since the sun ‘s been here Little darlings, the smiles are returning to children’s facesHere comes the sun, here comes […]
Seasonal Affective Disorder in Children
A larger dose of sunlight is the antidote for kids who become especially ornery as winter approaches and the hours of daylight dwindle down to a meager few. 1. Sunlight helps minimize being sad and having SAD. Sad (small letters) is having the “winter blues.” SAD (capital letters) stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder, a more […]
Kids and the Great Outdoors
Hey, parents! It is time to pry your kids away from their TVs, video games, computers and smart phones – forcefully, if necessary. Ignore their yelling and sarcasm. Then kick them out the front door – literally, if need be. If older kids threaten to report you to child welfare, call their bluff: according to […]
Is global warming harming our children?
Children are in the crosshairs for climate change, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. They are especially susceptible to toxins in the environment and to many of the infectious diseases that spread more readily as the weather becomes warmer. 1. Rising global temperatures decrease air quality. Children spend more time outdoors than adults, breathe in more […]
Sun-protective clothing has gone high-tech
Sun-protective clothing has replaced sunscreens as the first line of defense for protecting your children (and yourself) from the harmful rays of the sun. However, rarely, excessive sun protection can itself lead to health issues. 1. The UV rays of the sun are as damaging to children’s skin as tobacco smoke is damaging to […]
Protecting infants and young children from the sun
Parents! Take this quiz: In which month is sun protection for infants and young children especially important? a) June b) July c) August d) September 1. The (maybe surprising) answer: a) June. Many adults erroneously associate sun problems with hot weather and believe that serious sun protection is not necessary until the hot summer months […]
Digging in the sand at the beach is no longer fun.
Remember when digging in the sand at the beach was a fun activity for young children, an activity with almost no do’s and don’ts attached to it. Children could dig holes trying to reach China while parents could laze nearby. Sorry. No more. Based on recent findings, only with lots of do’s and don’ts is […]
Winter/Children/Staying Healthy
Hey parents, although it’s midwinter, pry your kids away from their TVs, electronic games and computers. Even the very young ones. Dress them for the cold and push them out the door. Literally, if need be. Ignore their yelling and sarcasm. If they threaten to report you to child welfare, tell them that being active […]
Kids/Winter/Sunglasses
Quiz: Look at the pictures. How could the adults and children improve their sun protection? Answers at the end of the article. If you live in snow country or are planning to take your kids on a visit there, outfit them with a pair of snow-appropriate sunglasses (“shades,” in teen talk). While the sun’s warming […]