Sun Smarts

By Deborah Clark

As parents we want the best for our kids. So why do we endanger them, and ourselves each summer? We all do it. We go outside without hats, sunblock, dark glasses or loose clothing. We go out in the middle of the day and stay in the sun, drinking too little water.

With all the warnings about sunstroke, heatstroke and skin cancer, why do we continue to snub our noses at the danger? For we adults, it is habit. Few of us, as children, had the worry imposed upon us. Few of our parents knew of, or realized, the danger. The earth may have been healthier then or perhaps we were simply less aware.

We don't want to mess our hair or look. We lose hats because they are difficult to stow and keep track of once they are off. Sunblock seldom smells as nice as perfume and is too sweet to be confused with aftershave.

We are role models for our children. When they see us without the paraphernalia, they fuss at having to use them. Children learn by seeing and doing. When they see the people they love doing something, they will emulate the action. Babies under a year can be taught to wear hats without pulling them off, especially if everyone in their world wears one.

There are also cautions to be aware of. Canada Health and the Canada Safety Council have been advising Canadians for years to stay out of the sun between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm. Now the Canada Safety Council recommends the time frame, 11 am to 4 pm. Yet many events are organized with activities for children that begin at 1 or 2 of. Even if our children could attend without missing naps, these events should be considered carefully. By attending these events, we are sanctioning the idea that it really is OK to be out in the hottest, most dangerous part of the day. We should be lobbying for marquee tents if the event organizers are determined to operate during the afternoons. At the very least, we should be lobbying for events to begin early and offer diversions that keep us out of the sun's harmful rays.

Sporting events are notorious for early afternoon starts. Professional games are bad enough, but amateur tournaments are the worst. Amateur athletes play several games, often two in the afternoon on their way to securing a championship spot. they may not know enough to keep hydrated with water, or cool down with wet towels on their heads and necks. Coaches may overlook these needs as they are often preoccupied with the game.

We have to ensure that our children know what to do if they find themselves outside and hot. We also need to show them how to make they needs known and ensure that they get what they need. We can do this by doing it for them when they are small.

We need to protect our children and ourselves while standing up for the things we believe in. We can advocate and lobby for change. We can be safe and healthy and teach our children to be the same.

(c) Deborah Clark.