Mommies Beware!

Hey Lovelies!

It's summer and that means that Mr. Sun is out in full force. And so are the talks and advice about how to use sunscreen, how much to apply, when to apply it and blah, blah, blah. If you're anything like me, you've probably read every article about it and stocked up on the best sunscreen out there. And, like me, you're probably sick of hearing/reading about it, but I've got news for you lovelies. Read on.

Yes, fun in the sun is fantabulous. Really. It's totally awesome-rrific... until it's not. Let me explain. Last weekend, Aiden and his 3-year-old friend were innocently playing soccer, basketball, baseball, football, any kind of ball they could get their little hands on. And they were running up and down, back and forth like crazy. We applied a bit of sunscreen on them and I gave Aiden a drink to hydrate him before they continued their game.

After about 15 more minutes in the sun, Aiden's friend suddenly stopped, walked out to where the grown-ups were sitting, and sat down. At first, we didn't think anything of it because she didn't say anything. But then she turned really pale and threw up out of nowhere. She was suffering from heat exhaustion.

Don't let this happen to your child!

Heat exhaustion happens when kids bodies can't cool themselves down fast enough. It comes on suddenly and they might feel overheated, tired, and weak (just like Aiden's little friend!). Sometimes, they can just collapse out of nowhere (thank goodness this didn't happen to her!). It can also leave them feeling tired for hours, or DAYS after it happens.

What can parents do?

• Apply spf 30 or higher and reapply often
• Take breaks from the sun and sit in the shades
• Give 'em lots of water to refuel
• Make 'em wear a sun hat. Yes, I'm serious! A hat can further protect them from the excessive heat of the sun

I say all of this not to scare you, but just so you can be aware. Some of our precious little ones do not have the vocabulary to let us know when they are not feeling well. Plus, heat exhaustion comes on suddenly. So we have to take proper precautions. Once we've done all that we can, fun in the sun can once again, be fantabulous!

Smooches,

SweetAl