The weather is getting beautiful out, and as we start directing all of our activities outdoors it is so important to keep you and your children safe from the sun! The sun is an excellent source of vitamin D, but living in Arizona it doesn’t take much to damage your skin if you are unprotected. Young children enjoying spending most of their time outdoors so we need to teach them the dangers and how they can protect themselves. Repeated exposure can cause skin damage, eye damage, immune system suppression and some young adults in their 20’s are even getting skin cancer! You can start by avoiding the strongest rays of the day these hours range from 10 am to 4pm. If you are outside during these hours and the sun is overhead you should find a shaded area for the kids to play in. Don’t led clouds fool you, because UV rays can still travel through them! Apply sunscreen before going outdoors and then reapply every 2 hours! Cover up with hats, glasses, umbrellas or tents! I also can’t stress enough the importance of hydrated while the kids are outside because heat and dehydration can cause serious illness.  Enjoy this beautiful weather with your family but just remember to be safe in the sun!