Everyone likes to go outside and play in the sun. But too much sun cause can sunburns, which as you know are painful. When you get sunburned, it also causes damage to your skin that lasts a whole lot longer than the sunburn. This damage can cause wrinkles, large brown spots and skin cancer when you get old.

So it is important to protect your skin. It is the only skin that you will ever have. So when you are playing outside, you need to Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap. And what does that mean? It means that you need to slip on a shirt to cover part on your skin. Slop on sunscreen on all parts of your body not covered by clothes. Slap on a hat to protect your face and Wrap on sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Another way to protect your skin is the play in the shade whenever possible. Also, it is safer to play early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun’s rays are not as strong. When you are outside, take the Shadow Test. If you are taller than your shadow, then the sun’s rays are very strong. And you need to be sure that you are slipping, slopping, slapping (and I don’t mean your sister) and wrapping. 

Question:
Can you get sunburned on a cloudy day?
Answer:
Yes! Even on cloudy days, you can get sunburned because some of the sun’s rays can travel through the clouds. 

Question:
Can you get sunburned in the winter?
Answer:
Yes! People can also get sunburned in the weather, especially if there is snow on the ground. Snow reflects the sun on your face and any other part of your body that is not covered with clothes. 

Question:
Is it okay to be red like a lobster?
Answer:
No, a lobster isn’t red until it’s cooked and neither are you.

Question:
Why doesn’t a turtle need to Slip, Slop and Slap?
Answer:
Because he has a shell to cover his skin and you don’t

So remember to have fun in the sun, but Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap