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                           Keeping  Kids Safe  From  Sun And  Smog
If you spend time with kids in the summer,
you want to keep them safe while providing
fun outdoor experiences.  Did you know that
overexposure to  the sun  and air  pollution
can pose serious health effects, especially to
children? You can take several simple actions
to protect kids - and yourself.

What You Can Do
Check the daily UV Index and Air Quality Index,
and follow the simple steps described below
to protect kids' health.

   Check the UV Index. The UV Index is  a
   daily  forecast  of the strength of the sun's
   UV radiation. Find out the risk every day at
   http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.
   html   or  you  can  download  the  UV
   Index App  to  your   smart  phone  at
   http://www.epa.gov/enviro/mobile/

   Check the Air Quality Index. The Air Quality
   Index (AQI) is a scale used by state and local
   air agencies to report how clean or polluted
   the air is, and what associated health effects
   might be a concern to  you.  Visit  http://
   airnow.gov/ Choose  your state and  local
   area for real-time animated maps, forecasts,
   and the previous day's peak ozone level.

Actions You Can Take

   Model SunWise  behavior. The  SunWise
   Program   is   an   environmental   and
   health  education  program   that   aims
   to  teach  children  and  their  caregivers
   how   to   protect    themselves    from
   overexposure  to the sun through the use
   of  classroom, school,   and   community-
   based components.  To  learn  more, visit
   http://epa.gov/sunwise/index.html

   Teach kids to Slip, Slop, Slap, and Wrap.

   Slip on a shirt. Less skin exposed means less
   skin damage.

   Slop  on sunscreen. Twenty minutes before
   heading outside, generously apply products
   of  at least SPF 15, and re-apply  every
   2 hours or after swimming or sweating.

   Slap on a hat. Find a hat you like and wear it.

   Wrap on  sunglasses.  Look for ones that
   block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays.

   Seek  shade.  Especially when  the  sun  is
   most  intense, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rotate
   players to allow breaks  in the  shade. This
   is most important when the UV Index is  6
   or above.
Sun Safety Tips While  Playing  Outdoors
   It's fun to play in the sun, but did
   you know that too much sun can
   be bad for you? If you ever had
   sunburn, you have felt some of
   the bad effects of too much sun
   and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
   Too many UV rays can cause more
   serious health effects too, such
   as skin cancer; older looking skin,
   and other skin problems; cataracts
   and other eye damage; and
   weakening of the immune system.
   Children need sun protection
   education since too much sun
   when you are young may lead
   to skin cancer later in life.
   The good news is that you
   can prevent UV radiation
   from hurting you.
When the Air Quality Index reports unhealthy
levels, limit physical exertion outdoors. In
many places, ozone peaks in mid-afternoon to
early evening. Change the time of day of strenuous
outdoor activity to avoid these hours, or reduce the
intensity of the activity.
Pay attention to symptoms. Know how to
recognize symptoms of respiratory discomfort, such
as coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulty, and
reduce exposure if these occur.
Rotate players in physically exerting games.
Rest players to reduce exertion.
Provide alternative activities. Allow kids that
have asthma or other respiratory problems to
participate in activities that are less physical when
pollution levels are high. If pollution levels are
particularly high, move physical activities indoors
where the air is filtered by an air conditioning system.
Be vigilant about asthma management. People
with asthma should have adequate medication on
hand and follow their asthma management plans.

For more information, contact EPA at 800-223-0425.

To inquire about managing your child's asthma, and
for more information on safe and healthy homes and
how to receive a healthy homes assessment, contact
Children's Mercy Hospital at 816-855-1895.

To inquire about getting your child tested for lead
poisoning and for more information on resources to
rid your home of lead hazards, contact the Kansas
City, Missouri Health Department at 816-513-6048.
                                             Child rerfe Mercy
                                             HOSPITAL
                                           B www.ehlUwimreref.offl
                                                                  Public Health.
  Get SunWise Certified.

  Coaches and counselors: Get free training
  on-line at http://cfpub.epa.gov/sunwiserec/
     Parents: Encourage those  looking out for
     your kids to get certified  to demonstrate
     their knowledge of safety procedures.

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