Sol, Ra, Sun, the brightest burning star is life giving, warm and healthy in small doses. Too much sun can be painful, harmful and deadly. There are many ways to protect yourself and loved ones from the dangerous UV rays. It is imperative to keep infants out of the sun. The melanin in infants skin isn't fully developed and they can burn more easily than older children and adults. Painful sunburn, premature aging of the skin, eye damage, heat stroke, skin cancer, and suppression of the immune system are not fun ways to enjoy the summer.
There are a multitude of natural oils and vitamins you can access to augment your boy's natural sun protection systems.Too much sun exposure can deplete your body of vitamins C & B which are an important defense against UV's harmful rays.
Enjoy Summer's harvest of fresh tomatoes, green peppers, broccoli, collard greens and a wide variety of citrus fruits and juices. Include many vitamin B enriched foods to your diet. Eggs, tuna, bananas, wheat germ and spinach to name a few.
Melanoma is now the most common cancer in women age 25-29 and second to breast cancer in women 30-34. This year an estimated 74,000 adults in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive melanoma. Scary statistics!
Always try to wear protective clothing, a wide brimmed hat and dark sunglasses. Limit your sun exposure and when spending a lot of time outside try an all-natural sunscreen and apply often. Don't neglect your scalp, tops of ears!
If you do overindulge in the daylight there are many ways to bring comfort to your delicate, parched skin. Essential oils such as Lavender, which is very calming to the skin
Aloe Vera gel
Neem Oil
Sesame Oil
Refined coconut oil
Olive oil
Beeswax
Cocoa butter
Shea butter
Witch hazel
A few common kitchen ingredients to bring quick relief to your skin include,
Cool milk
Potato or Cucumbers (as a poultice)
Corn Starch or Baking Soda paste
Apple Cider Vinegar
Plain Yogurt
Oatmeal Baths
Mint Tea poultice
Don't forget to hydrate internally by drinking plenty of fluids.
Severe cases of sunburn is sun poisoning and requires immediate medical care. It is defined by blistering, red skin, massive fluid loss, dehydration, and possibly infection. Too much sun exposure can lead to shock and possible death. Chills, fever, nausea or vomiting flu-like symptoms should not be ignored. Go to the nearest first aid or emergency room.
May the Sun be gentle on you
~Be Well~
~Blessed Be~