Keeping Your Ocean County Kids Sun-Safe All Year Long: A Back-to-School Essential!
As the lazy days of summer begin to wind down and the school buses reappear on our streets, our minds naturally shift to back-to-school preparations. New backpacks, fresh supplies, and reconnecting with friends are all on the list. But here’s something that often gets overlooked in the back-to-school rush: sun protection!
It’s easy to think of sunscreen as a summer-only essential, however, the suns rays are powerful year-round, and protecting our children’s skin is just as crucial in the school year as it is in during summer break. You might be surprised to learn just how critical this is. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., with more people diagnosed each year than all other cancers combined. What’s even more striking – even one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence more than doubles your child’s chances of developing melanoma later in life. This is where we, as Ocean County parents, can make a real difference in our children’s lives!
A Win for New Jersey Kids: The SUNucate Initiative
Here in New Jersey, we have an extra reason to celebrate when it comes to sun safety for our kids! The SUNucate initiative was developed to promote sun-safe behaviors and remove barriers to sunscreen use in schools. Importantly, SUNucate legislation has been passed in 29 states and Washington, D.C., now including New Jersey this year! Research shows that states that enacted legislation allowing children to carry and apply sunscreen at school saw increased interest in sun protection and a higher rate of sunscreen use among adolescents.
When it comes to choosing effective sun protection, Neutrogena, the #1 suncare brand in the U.S., is dedicated to helping families stay sun-safe. They offer a wide range of lightweight sunscreens designed for daily wear, providing excellent protection against harmful UV rays. Whether your family prefers mineral or non-mineral formulas, Neutrogena has options that offer invisible, advanced protection. For our little ones, Neutrogena offers lines like Beach Defense Kids (available in stick or spray) and Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen (in stick or lotion).
So, as you check off those back-to-school to-dos, remember to add sunscreen to the list. By making sun protection a consistent habit, we can help ensure our Ocean County County kids develop sun-safe habits, not just for the school year, but for a lifetime.
sponsored by: Neutrogena