It is surprising still today people do not take the sun that seriously. Most folks think of “sun and fun” but the sun could be a very dangerous adversary. People who have sun disorder diseases know how important it is to stay protected from the sun. Many people do protect themselves with sunscreen sprays and creams, hats, articles of clothing, and also sun glasses, but they are adults and they should have some kind of general knowledge of what the consequences are of over exposure from the sun these days. But even with those protective items there are more immediate dangers which remain from over exposure to the sun. Protective clothing and sunscreen do offer protection from skin cancer but the most common over exposure injuries are dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Aside from clothing and products, the first defense from physical harm is staying properly hydrated while in the sun or not in the sun but just from being in the intense heat and humidity. Whether working in the yard, walking outdoors for exercise, or just sitting and enjoying the music at a festival everyone must stay hydrated with water for the best results. In fact everyone should start their day with at least an 8 ounce glass of water and continue to drink more throughout the day. Water is so important for normal long term body functions, but water is most important while being exposed to the heat and sun.
For all children and especially little babies the sun could be a dyer health and life threatening hazard. Children should be forced to drink water because they commonly will not drink as much water as their body needs when being exposed to the sun and heat. They are more apt to want drinks like cold sodas and energy drinks to quench their thirst, but water is the most preferred hydration drink among the medical community.
When it comes to toddlers and babies they should never be in the sun for any prolonged length of time
and they should always have a hat on when in the sun. They are so susceptible to having heat injuries which may go undetected physically but their mental state may be affected from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The New Orleans sun is a very powerful force and even if a little baby or child is sleeping while being carried around or in a stroller the sun can and will cause some brain damage which may not ever be known for many years after. So it is up to parents and caregivers to be sure babies and toddlers stay protected from the sun at all time and the importance of keeping them hydrated as well.
