Youth Protection and Safety

The RISD Youth Protection theme for the month of May is "Sun Exposure."

Too much exposure to the sun can cause painful burns, premature aging of the skin, and even skin cancer.

If you are going to be in the sun for more than 15 minutes, take the following precautions:

• Use a sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15.
• Apply the sunscreen 15 minutes before exposure.
• Reapply every two hours.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothes and a broad-brimmed hat to shade your face.
• Drink lots of water. Sweating helps cool the skin.
• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the burning rays are strongest.
• Don't forget the kids. Early sun exposure may be very hard on their tender skin. Teach your young children healthy sun habits, hats and sunscreen, early.

Source: Kaiser-Permanente Healthwise Handbook.

Note: I received a call from Officer Goldsmith and he said he really appreciated the kindness and notes.