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Should kids be out in the sun?

May 16, 2018 - Written by: Janeen Maxwell

Yes! That’s what the medical experts say. “It might surprise parents that the sun is very important for children because it gives them much-needed Vitamin D,” said Dr. Alan Peterson, a family physician in Lancaster County. “We’ve heard for years that sun exposure may lead to skin cancer but some sun is actually good for your children.”  Peterson said the sun’s ultraviolet rays react with the skin to make vitamin D.“

Although infants younger than 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight, after that it is important to expose your child to the sun,” he said. “If they don’t get enough vitamin D, it could soften and weaken their bones.” Peterson recommends parents still use suntan lotion if their kids are playing outside for more than ten minutes.  The lotion should have both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B protection in it.Vitamin D is so important, even breast-fed babies should be getting an extra dose of it. “The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breast fed infants should receive 400 IU/day of Vitamin D shortly after birth until they are weaned from the breast and drinking more than 32 ounces of vitamin D-fortified formula or whole milk,” Peterson said. Vitamin D is found in other foods like fish, cheese, and eggs, certain cereals, cow’s milk and orange juice.

Check out this video! https://biteable.com/watch/should-my-child-be-out-in-the-sun-or-not-1880205

 

 

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Partnership For Public Health

Partnership for Public Health c/o United Way of Lancaster County
1910 Harrington Drive, Ste A, Lancaster, PA 17601

717.394.0731

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