SunFriendlyProducts.com

Stroller Meet Up Group Recommended Accessory

2009-09-15T12:50:00.003-04:00

Attention New Moms:

If you belong to a stroller mom's walking club, or exercise club where baby comes along with you, then the Solaroo Sun Blocking Sheet is the accessory for you!

The sheet is a light-weight 98% UV blocking drape with four corner ties that can be tied over the stroller, or to the straps of a Baby Bjorn or infant carrier and draped over baby, so your child will stay protected from the sun while you get in your work out!

This product is a win for any mom looking to avoid full sun block applications with every walk outdoors. Tying this sheet to the top of your baby Bjorn while venturing out allows your exercise to move on while your baby is protected.

Price at $14.95

Flappy Hats for Babies and Toddlers

2009-06-09T22:06:00.007-04:00

Finding the perfect flap hat for baby helps reduce the chance of burning on the neck and ears. They are a wonderful solution to crawlers since necks are exposed. A great way to cover the back of baby when slung over your shoulder, or in a back carrier for a day hike. Here is what to look for:

Drape
Many Manufactures skimp on the length of the flap of a hat. Be sure it covers the full neck and ears. It should also angle down the sides of the face as not to obstruct a child's view. It needs to come far enough up that a child's ears are covered.

Technology of fabric
Look for UV blocking fabrics that are light-weight. Wool can be considered UV blocking! You want to to know that your UV blocking fabric is light-weight and can handle the outdoors.

Long Cap Brim
Make certain the brim is long enough to provide adequate shade.

Additional Features
The Solaroo Swim hat is made of a UV blocking swim fabric, so it can be worn in and out of the water. On hot days, it can even be wet down and squeezed to cool off a child's head!

Is Sun Block Irritating Your Eczema?

2009-05-06T13:14:00.009-04:00

Eczema, a skin condition identified by a scaly rash that often becomes sore for sufferers, can become irritated by certain ingredients found in sun block.

So what can you do to decrease the risk of further skin irration while still protecting from the sun?

Use a UV blocking shirt while in the sun. A light-weight UPF50+ long sleeved rash guard can provide better protection than sun block because it blocks the sun evenly and you know you haven't "missed a spot". If chemicals cause a reaction, look for UV blocking shirts that do not contain chemical UV protection, but are UV blocking due to the tight inter-locking stitch, like Solaroo UV blocking long sleeve swim shirts. This will minimize the amount of sun block used on your skin, along with skin exposure.

Look for sun blocks that are chemical free formula or sensitive formulas. Test them on the skin by applying a coin sized amount the night before venturing out, to see how your skin reacts to the ingredients. We recommend Blue Lizard Sensitive formula.

A combination of UV blocking clothing and chemical/fragrance free sun blocks are a great combination of maximizing skin protection while minimizing exposure to the elements!

Is Your Golf Shirt Up To Par?

2009-05-05T12:55:00.008-04:00

Many golf shirts are built to endure climate and performance. There are many variables to a high quality shirt; here are some things to look for and what to avoid:

Weight
Look for a light-weight shirt. Heavy shirts are made of heavy materials that will cause undesirable visible perspiration. If you are wearing a heavy shirt to minimize sun exposure, think again, there are UV blocking shirts that come light-weight and block out 98% of UV rays.

Performance
Shirts like Solaroo UV blocking golf shirts filter out 98% of UV rays due to a tight stitch that allows air to flow in, but blocks sun out. This stitch also minimizes the appearance of sweat, because of the "cooling" ability of air-flow. Stay cooler and appear dry with a moisture wicking fabric.

Endurance
The sign of a good shirt is in the appearance of the shirt, how does it hold up? The feedback of the Solaroo Golf Shirt is that the collar stays in tact wash after wash--without the use of an iron! A rolled collar is a sign of a poor quality shirt.

With so many golf shirts to choose from, make sure to seek out maximum performance. Reduced appearance of perspiration, sun-blocking and a clean crisp look is offered by Solaroo Golf!

Save the Bikini for a Rainy Day!

2009-05-01T10:41:00.003-04:00

Summer is near and the fashion police are out--what's in style at the beach and why?

SunFriendlyProducts.com, a company specializing in sun protection, says kids in bikini's are out and skin cancer awareness is in! UV blocking swimsuits for the children have taken their place because they protect from sunburn, are stylish, and fun! Bikini's are wonderful, but save them for a rainy day, or a night swim!

Have you ever tried to cover a child in sun block? Are you confident you haven't "missed a spot"? Have confidence by putting on a 98% UV blocking shirt over that bikini, or wearing a UV swimsuit.

Solaroo's 98% uv blocking fabric is designed to block from the sun. They are lightweight, fast drying, and come in stylish bright colors--a big win because parents love kids in bright colors near water...easy to spot! "I know my children spend their time at the beach building castles or surfing waves", said Jen Clement, mother of three children and owner of SunFriendlyProducts.com, "I make sure my kids have covered up backs and shoulders to prevent sunburn". These suits are great for children newborn to 8 years.

What about the older crowd..from teens to adult? Solaroo Rash Guards are the way to go! They protect from the sun and come in various colors and prints.

The fashion police say protect from the sun in style and save that 'cute' bikini for a rainy day!

UV blocking tent that opens easily!

2009-05-01T09:51:00.005-04:00

The last thing I want to do when I go to the beach with my three kids is put up a tent. That is why SunFriendlyProducts.com researched and found a UV blocking beach tent that is easy to open and close, and is extremely light-weight! It blocks out 96% UV rays, and is large enough to even put a pack and play inside! It has 3 windows with screens, and a front door that opens flat, tremendous ventilation. The best part, it opens by pulling on two cords. Need more, to close the tent, you simplly press the top and it folds in a case that is bigger than the product, so you won't be caught at the beach trying to put a square peg in a round hole, so to speak! As with any product, never leave a child unattended. Even with great ventilation, a child can over-heat.

Are Sunscreens harmful?

2009-04-29T14:03:00.006-04:00

Curious about the ingredients in your screen and whether it is harmful to your family? SunFriendlyProducts.com recommends this parents guide on sunscreen. It's a great resource and will provide insight to ingredients and ratings of sunblock.

If you are trying to limit chemical exposure on your child's skin, consider UV blocking clothing used in conjunction with sunblock. Many parents are now learning alternative ways to protect a childs skin, like \a light-weight UV swimsuit to cover up at the beach--or long-sleeve UV blocking t-shirts when playing in the sand.

Consider lotions combined with fabrics for the best possible protection!

Free Blue Lizard Regular Sun Block with Golf Shirt Purchase Until Thursday Night, (4/30/09) While Supplies last

2009-04-29T12:01:00.005-04:00

Free 3 ounce Blue Lizard Regular Formula with any Solaroo Golf Shirt Purchase while supplies last ($14.95 value)! Limit one. Use coupon code: BLREGFREE at checkout. 2 days ONLY!!

Sunburned through clothing?

2009-04-28T13:17:00.009-04:00

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of a shirt varies significantly from shirt to shirt. You can still get UV rays through the shirt you are wearing, so think again before you head to the beach in just a tee! In the past, SunFriendlyProducts.com has received calls from customers who have actually burned in a t-shirt, or under an umbrella at a day at the beach. This might be due to the type of stitch on the fabric used.

SunFriendlyProducts.com has provided an example of two t-shirts, displaying the varying degrees of sun protection in which they offer. The first shirt is a Fruit Of The Loom t-shirt. As you can tell by the photo, the fabric stitch is not tight. Very little light is coming through the Solaroo UV blocking t-shirt.

Keep these photo's in mind when throwing one on before heading to the beach, avoid the burn.

Solaroo Golf Shirts; Moisture Wicking and UV blocking

2009-04-27T21:15:00.011-04:00

Solaroo Golf Shirts are performance driven in design based on the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. The shirts are 98% UV blocking and extremely light-weight, great for the golfer spending the day in the sun. The moisture wicking stitch allows for fast-drying as sweat is wicked away from the body, keeping you cooler and drier. Solaroo Golf shorts maintain their look wash after wash, with a stiff looking collar that won't roll up like knock-off brands.

Are you getting UV rays through your t-shirt?

2009-04-27T17:33:00.008-04:00

Chemical-free sun protection is based on the stitch of a shirt. The looser the stitching of fibers, the more sun exposure can occur by getting through fabric. If you hold a t-shirt up to the light you will notice a tighter weave let's in less light, whereas your typical t-shirt will let a lot of light through.

SunFriendlyProducts.com offers a long sleeve t-shirt that blocks 98% UV rays, equal to a Sun Protection Factor of 50+ (SPF50+), the highest rating out there. The product is sun protective due to the tight inter-locking stitch. It is free of chemical additives used to protect from the sun, so the sun protection will not "wash out". Care for this product (and any product used to protect from the sun) would be to handle with care because the more wear and tear (ie: putting it in the dryer) the more the stitch will open up over time, weakening the Sun Protection Factor.

These shirts are great to throw over your swimsuit when you get out of the pool, or while sitting or playing at the beach. A great summer-white tee to throw on after a day in the sand.

Sizes run from newborn through adult. In order to make sun protection affordable, the long sleeve sun protection t-shirt is offered at a very inexpensive price!

Newborn Gift Giving; Let's Get Practical

2009-04-27T13:58:00.007-04:00

If your idea of gift-giving for baby is as common as booties, an outfit, and bib, it's time to step out of the ordinary and get more practical!

SunShowers by Solaroo was introduced to provide practicality and style into everyday newborn gift giving. The gift basket provides items pertaining to UV protection, many things a baby needs to venture outdoors, and many chemical free items for parents concerned with slathering sunblock on newborn skin. SunFriendlyProducts.com began offering these baskets for the purpose of covering a baby from UV rays. The feedback on this item has been wonderful.

For more information on this product, click here.

Apply Sunblock; A quick read on things to consider

2009-04-23T17:06:00.006-04:00

Tips on Applying Sunblock, things you might not have thought of...we've thought of for you!

1. Apply sunblock before putting on your swimsuit. I was once told by a dermatologist that many major sunburns occur where skin touches the swimsuit. When applying we have a tendancy to avoid the sunblock touching fabrics because we don't want to stain our swimsuits and ruin them. If sunblock is applied prior to getting dressed, then you can be sure that you are covered where skin meets fabric without ruining the suit!

2. Slip-Slop-Slap. These are words of a health campaign reminding people to "slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat" when they go out into the sun. That being said, SunFriendlyProducts.com would like to refer to our first tip, and suggest you Slop-Slip-Slap!

3. Read the bottle for application times. Some suggest re-applying sunblock every two hours, but be sure to read the bottle to see what the manufacturer recommends.

4. Know what you are looking for in a sunblock There are many sun blocks on the market. Some chemical free, fragrance free, water-proof, water-resistant, etc. The manufacturers of a sunblock create varying formulas, and some might not offer the same protection as the next. For example, Blue Lizard Sport which does have chemicals, has been tested to retain its full SPF in 240 minutes in water. The Sensitive formula has the identical SPF, but no where on the bottle does it state that it retains its full SPF in water. Know your sunblocks and read the label so you can be sure you are using it properly.

5. Check the date on the bottle Make sure your sunblock has not expired, sunblock has a shelf-life.

6. Don't rely soley on sunblockSunblock comes in more forms than lotion. SunFriendlyProducts.com has coined the term, "Sunblock is not the exclusive source of sun protection", we need to rethink sunblock, it comes in the form of UV blocking clothing as well.

7. Allergies We speak with people all the time that talk about their children and reactions to sun block. The best way to check for allergies to sunblock is to apply a nickel-sized drop to the skin a day before heading out to see how your body reacts to the product. This is especially important in babies. If you have found allergic reactions, then try a chemical-free formula, don't give up on it! As always, make sure to check with your doctor regarding sunblock recommendations.

Who's to blame for sun burn at camp?

2009-04-14T12:46:00.004-04:00

Summer is here and hundreds of thousands of children will be heading off to summer camp -- and returning home with sun burns. But who is to burn for your child's burn?

Sun block manufacturer's recommend applying sun block every two hours, but for many children, this is impossible. Children are not able to apply sun block to their back before swimming, and without a parent around to be sure they are covered in sun block, many children are not receiving full protection. Camp coucelor's receive calls from angry parents about their child getting a sun burn while at camp. Many camp councelor's use the 'no touch' philosophy. So who is applying sun block correctly, and how can we protect our children from the sun when they are not in our care.

Sun Blocking Shirts/Rash Guards

Many parents have turned to packing UV blocking shirts. These light-weight fast-drying shirts are specifically designed for swimming and are 98% UV blocking. Parent's can pack them in their child's backpack and kids can take them out for swim time. This can reduce the chance of burn and make it easier to shield from the sun. Make sure that the shirts you purchase are at least UPF30+. There are even 98% UV blocking swim shirts like Solaroo's from SunFriendlyProducts.com.

UV Blocking Swimsuits

The more coverage, the greater sun protection. Don't send your child to camp in a bikini. UV blocking swimsuits typically cover a child from elbow to knees, offering greater protection.

Sun Block

Be sure to cover your child in sun block in the morning. Any steps toward sun protection are going to greatly reduce your child's risk of burn. Hat Try and remember to pack a hat for your child. There are lightweight hats that offer 98% sun protection. Before sending campers off for a day in the sun, make sure you have them dressed for summer sun and fun!

Jen Clement lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina and is a mother of three children and cofounder of www.SunFriendlyProducts.com and can be reached via email at jclement@sunfriendlyproducts.com. Sun Friendly Products focuses on providing products that offer easy and effective sun protection for our families. For more information, please visit www.SunFriendlyProducts.com or call 866-SAFE-SUN.

Should I put sunblock on my baby?

2009-04-13T19:14:00.009-04:00

Many question applying sun block on newborns, or babies younger than 6 months of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests (for babies 6 months and younger) using sunscreen on small areas of the body, such as the face and the back of the neck, hands, etc, but only when adequate clothing and shade are not available. Make sure to check with your child’s pediatrician regarding sun block applications.

Before putting any sun block on newborn skin, keep in mind that babies have more skin for the size body as compared to an adult and therefore, get a higher chemical "dose". When using sunblock:

-look for chemical-free sun blocks like Blue Lizard Baby formula; the active ingredients being titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. You want to be sure there is minimal chemical exposure if any.
-Do a “patch test” on baby’s skin to be sure there is no sensitivity. Use a quarter-sized application of the product on skin and wait 1-2 days to see if there is any skin irritation. -Try to apply sun block at least 20 minutes before going out so that there is absorption.
In lew of, or in addition to sunblock, consider:
• Properly dress your child in light-weight UV blocking items, like wide brimmed hats and light-weight clothing. Save those newborn bikini’s and swim trunks for indoor pools, and consider the UV blocking swimsuits that are not only cute, but are made of tightly weaved sun protection fabric that block the sun! Make sure they are certified, like Solaroo’s 98% UV blocking swimsuits.
• Consider products that block the sun without actual skin applications, like a sun sheet that tie to a stroller or front carrier
• Even with baby properly dressed, covered in sun block, and under shade, check baby constantly for signs of dehydration or over-heating.
• Call your pediatrician immediately if your baby is sunburned.

$20 dollar or less sale

2009-04-10T08:11:00.002-04:00

Enjoy, this will only last until Sunday April 12th 2009!

http://www.sunfriendlyproducts.com/sun-protection_special.html

Solaroo SunSheet

2009-02-03T13:43:00.006-05:00

The Solaroo SunSheet is a 99% UV blocking sheet that is light-weight and fastens to just about to anything due to four corner ties.

If a doctor has recommended no sunblock on your infant thru 6 months of age, the Solaroo SunSheet might just be your solution!

The uses are endless, parents have reported using the sheet in these ways, to name a few:

-tie to your stroller rather than pinning heavy blankets!
-tie to front carrier and drape it over baby's body to shelter from the sun on walks
-drape over your shoulder while nursing
-tie to two beach chairs poolside, and scoot baby under for a cool shade canopy
-tie to side window to block sun in car
-drape over legs of toddler in the stroller

With so many ways to use the Solaroo SunSheet, it's a favorite pick to mom's of newborns, because it means less limitations with baby!

Offered at SunFriendlyProducts.com and Amazon.com

What is a Rash Guard?

2006-06-08T11:07:00.002-04:00

You've probably heard the word before, but what is it, and what does it do? A rash guard, also known as a swim shirt, provides coverage from sunlight and offers some protection from a "rash" or irritation caused by water/waves.

Rash guard shirts came out of the surf industry, but are now becoming more mainstream. There are varying degree's of sun protection from rash guards, based on the material content and construction. If you are using a rash guard for sun protection be sure to find one that offers sun protection that is UPF30+ or greater. There are some rash guards that offer over 98% protection from the sun, like Solaroo Rash Guards found at www.SunFriendlyProducts.com.

About SunFriendlyProducts.com. SunFriendlyProducts.com was created in response to the direct need for solutions to help families cope with the negative effects of the sun in everyday life. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Electronic Information Services, Inc. along with its sister company Solaroo.com, which is a leading label for sun protection clothing. For more information on EIS, SunFriendlyProducts.com or Solaroo.com, please call (866) SAFE-SUN, email info@sunfriendlyproducts.com or visit SunFriendlyProducts.com.

Sun Protection Article: From Old to Young, Mountains to Sea

2006-03-24T14:21:00.000-05:00

According the Skin Cancer Foundation, one severe sunburn as a child more than doubles the risk of skin cancer later in life. While this is a startling claim, the good news is that there now are many choices for sun protection beyond just applying sun block.

UPF clothing is now readily available and comes in the form of uv blocking swimsuits, rash guards (surf shirts), sun hats, sun glasses, stroller sun protectors, portable beach cabanas and more. These items can provide significantly more protection than normal clothing. For instance, compare the UPF 50+ rating of much of the clothing to a normal cotton tshirt, which has a UPF of 4 to 7. One of the reasons for the rapid market acceptance of these sun protection products, is that many kids think that the clothing is “cool” and fun to wear. Teenagers love to be hip and in style with “Rash Guard” surf shirts because they originated out of the surf industry and are favorites of surfers.

Many of the sun protection products are now going beyond swimsuits and rash guard swim shirts. Many outerwear products are now readily available such as uv blocking golf shirts, uv blocking hiking shirts, sun hats, and uv blocking wraps and sarongs. As awareness increases, so does the selection and availability of UPF products. So remember to “cover up” when spending time outdoors…now you have no excuse not to.

uv blocking swimsuits • rash guards • sun protection • sun hats • stroller sun protectors • beach cabanas

Sun Protection Abstracts

2005-10-08T11:15:00.000-04:00

sun protection
Too much direct exposure to sunlight can cause cancer. That’s why Sunfriendlyproducts.com offers you sun protection products for the whole family. From UV blocking swimsuits, sunglasses and sun hats to T-shirts, umbrellas and sun stroller covers, our sun protection products keep you from harmful rays. Did you know that one severe sunburn as a child more than doubles the risk of cancer later in life? Play it safe. Get sun protection now.

sun protection clothing
It just makes good sense: sun protection clothing. And that’s what you get at Sun Friendly. Those invisible rays—ultraviolet A and B—can cause skin damage or sunburn. As parents, we at Sun Friendly realized the need to guard our family from the sun’s harmful rays, so we carefully selected items to do just that. You’ll find sun protection clothing for the entire family right here, including our UV blocking swimsuits. Browse our site for sun protection clothing and other items. Then enjoy hassle-free shopping, backed by our satisfaction guarantee.

sun protection hats
The harmful rays of the sun can easily burn your head—or worse. Get sun protection hats for everyone in your family, especially children. Our sun protection hats come with brims to fully cover the head, which also helps face coverage. Check out our Lil’ Adventurer unisex hat and UV blocking boutique hats, quite popular with parents. Wide-brimmed, these lightweight sun protection hats keep the sun off face, neck and shoulders. Order securely online and have your sun protection hats shipped right to your front door.

UV protection
UV protection: it’s not an option. Once upon a time, we believed the sun to be healthy. While it does help us with vitamin D, we’ve learned much more about its dangerous UV rays, which can lead to sunburn or even cancer. UV protection is critical for everyone—even your kids. Don’t take UV protection lightly. Buy Sun Friendly quality products, aimed at guarding you and your family. From clothing to accessories, you’ll find all the UV protection you need right here.

beach tents
Beach tents let you enjoy the sun—while protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Take our popular Beach Hut. It’s one of many beach tents, with a twist. The Beach Hut is actually a hybrid between a beach umbrella and a beach cabana. You relish the cool breezes, but are protected from sun exposure, thanks to its adjustable panels and SPF50. Browse the “shade shelters” section for our selection of beach tents. Then order yours today!

baby sun protection
Baby sun protection is a key concern, here at Sun Friendly Products. Babies are at a high risk for sun overexposure. That inspired us to carry many baby sun protection products, helping you guard your little ones against harmful UV light. Aside from sunburn, skin damage and wrinkles, overexposure can lead to cancer. Baby sun protection entails much more than simply applying a natural sun block to your baby’s skin. Your baby needs the proper clothing and sun blocking components as well—like stroller sun covers. Get serious about baby sun protection and place your order securely online.

sun protection clothes
Nowadays, sun protection clothes prove a wise choice. You’ve read it in magazines or heard it on the news: The sun’s invisible rays (ultraviolet A and B) can cause serious skin damage, sunburn or cancer. It’s time to guard your family with UV blocking accessories and sun protection clothing. Sun Friendly proudly offers a full-range of quality products, backed by our 30-day/money-back guarantee. So go ahead and enjoy shopping, with our conveniently categorized menus. Your satisfaction is our prime concern, every time.

sun protection hat
Sun Friendly Products helps keep you and your family safe from the sun’s harmful rays—from a sun protection hat to rash guards, clothing and beach tents. And they make excellent gifts, like our Salaroo Unisex sun protection hat. Weighing less than two pounds, this sun protection hat touts a hot new style for 2005 for men or women. Its brim shape and quality optimize your protection. Rated UPF50+, this sun protection hat is perfect for any outdoor activity. Order yours from Sun Friendly Products today.

beach cabana
Beach, park, yard . . .wherever. Sun Stop’r Qwik Beach Cabana keeps you protected. And this top-quality beach cabana has been certified as sun protective by the AMCC Cancer Research Center—blocking 98% of the harmful UVA and UVB rays emitted by the sun. Add sand or heavy items in the side pockets, if you wish, to weigh it down. Easy to setup, this beach cabana also has a removable floor so children can play in the sand. How cool is that? Browse our site to learn more.

beach cabanas
Beach cabanas are a must for beach goers—or anyone wanting shade outdoors. If you don’t have proper sun protection, you’re exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. Our beach cabanas provide a safe refuge for the whole family. How many people have you seen at the beach without proper protection? Did you know that there will be about a million new cases of skin cancer in the USA this year? Do your family a favor and pick up one of our beach cabanas today. They’re smartly priced and backed by our money-back guarantee.

sun protection shirts
Who needs sun protection shirts? You do. There will be an estimated one million new cases of skin cancer this year in the USA. Sun protection shirts help guard your skin against the harmful UVA and UVB rays. Sun Friendly offers a handsome selection of sun protection shirts for the whole family. In fact, as parents, we created Sun Friendly Products to provide all sorts of products—like sun protection shirt—to protect the entire family from damaging sunrays. So browse our full gallery of health-protecting clothing and accessories, then shop securely online.

sun protection swim wear
We have sun protection swim wear for the whole family. After all everyone is affected by the sun’s harmful rays—with children being even more at risk. Our sun protection swim wear for children blocks out 98% of the harmful UV rays. They are one piece and tout wet suit look. Kids go crazy for our sun protection swim wear—and so will you. They’re affordable and give you peace of mind. We recommend purchasing our sun protection swim wear one size up, so your child is comfortable.

beach tent
Not all shade is created equal. A beach tent is not a beach tent. While any beach tent might provide shade, it’s what you don’t see that is important: the harmful rays of the sun. At Sun Friendly Products, you can purchase a beach tent that not only provides shade, but blocks the harmful, cancer-causing UV rays. Our beach tents provide superior protection . . . and peace of mind. Protect yourself and your family. Order one today.

UV protection clothing
Do your clothes protect you from invisible UV rays from the sun? If not, it’s time to buy some UV protection clothing from Sun Friendly Products. UV rays are no joke. They cause cancer. In fact, one million people this year in the USA will be diagnosed as having skin cancer. Be proactive. Use UV protection clothing. Check out our full line, from swimwear to shirts. UV protection clothing—the smart choice for today’s on-the-go living.

UV protection swimwear
What could be more fun than splashing in the pool on a sunny day? But that fun might come at a high cost—if your or your child is not using UV protection swimwear. Harmful UV rays from the sun damage skin and can lead to skin cancer. By wearing UV protection swimwear, you can block out 98% of these invisible rays. Don’t risk your health. Before your enjoy the outdoors, purchase UV protection swimwear and other Sun Friendly products for your whole family.

rash guard
A rash guard is a type of athletic shirt, designed for water use. They were born out of the surf industry. At Sun Friendly, you can get a rash guard for every member of your family (kids included!). Naturally, when you buy a rash guard shirt from us, you can count on it blocking out 98% of the harmful UV rays. We offer a variety of colors—however, our white rash guard shirt has a lower UV blocking ability. Simply click on “sun clothing,” then start shopping securely online.

rash guard shirts
Our Solaroo rash guard shirts will block 98% of the harmful UV rays from the sun. Rash guard shirts are designed to fit like a glove. Today, many people buy larger sizes and wear them like T-shirts. But if you want an extremely tight fit, drop down one or two sizes. The color shirts provide a UPF50+, while the white provides a UPF30+. And don’t forget to pick up some rash guard shirts for the kids!

sun hats
Love being outside in the sun? Then use sun hats. Here at Sun Friendly, we have the perfect choice; Salaroo sun hats. They block the sun’s invisible and harmful UV rays, thanks to their brim and special design. UPF50+ rated, Salaroo sun hats are washable and ideal for men or women. Plus, our sun hats make great gifts. Want to know more? Feel free to call us anytime with questions. Your satisfaction is always our primary concern.

baby sun hats
Baby sun hats are not just for show. They look adorable, but they also provide vital protection as well. If the baby sun hats you’ve purchased don’t block UV rays, you are exposing your child to potential harm. At Sun Friendly Products, we care about your child’s health. After all, we’re parents ourselves. We offer baby sun hats in a variety of styles—all of which do far more than provide shade. Our baby sun hats block the invisible and harmful UV rays from the sun. Protect your little ones with quality Sun Friendly Products.

UV protection beach shelters
21st century savvy: UV protection beach shelters. Soaking up the sun’s rays at the beach used to be considered healthy and the “in” thing to do. Since then, we have learned just how harmful the sun really is. Simply being in the shade is not enough to protect you. UV protection beach shelters work to not only provide shade, but to block the harmful UV rays. Sun Friendly is all about helping you guard against damaging sunrays. So you’ll find UV protection beach shelters right here, like cabanas and tents. And you’ll discover our UV protection beach shelters are affordably priced.

SunFriendlyProducts.com Announces addition of Solaroo Sun Protection Clothing

2005-09-26T17:02:00.000-04:00

As released on SunFriendlyProducts.com - full article

SunFriendlyProducts.com Announces addition of Solaroo Sun Protection Clothing
Leader in sun protection clothing expands its product line.
DEERFIELD BEACH, FL (September 26, 2005) – SunFriendlyProducts.com., a leader in providing sun protection clothing, sun protection hats and other sun protection items for families and children, has announced today the addition of Solaroo – Sun Outfitter, a brand of clothing complimenting their existing line of sun protection clothing and gear.

“The Solaroo line comes to us in brilliant colors and exceptional quality with regard to sun protection” said Ryan Clement, Founder and President of Sun Friendly Products. Clement continued, “Offering a name brand of quality product is consistent with our vision of SunFriendlyProducts.com providing high quality sun protection clothing and gear at prices that families can afford.” Clement added, “People already know that the brand Solaroo means sun protection, so brand recognition is key for brand success”.

Currently, SunFriendlyProducts.com offers the following Solaroo brand products in its catalog and on its website:
· Rash Guard Surf Shirts (sun protection swim shirts)
· UV Blocking Swimsuits
· Sun Protection Hats
· Sun Protection Blankets and more

SunFriendlyProducts.com has faced tremendous demand for name brand sun protection items and is committed to continually growing their product offerings. In addition to growing their selection of sun protection clothing and sun protection hats for children, SunFriendlyProducts.com plans to aggressively grow their selection for men, women and teens. Additional products include shade items, such as stroller covers and portable beach cabanas, as well as products like all-natural sun screens and other sun protection products.

Director of Communications for Solaroo, Paul Rogert added, “The Solaroo name is rapidly gaining recognition as a label associated with sun protection. SunFriendlyProducts.com is the ideal place to spotlight the Solaroo brand since people going to their website are already concerned with the need to protect from the sun.”

About Sun Friendly Products: SunFriendlyProducts.com was created in 2002 in response to the direct need for solutions to help families cope with the negative effects of the sun in everyday life. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Electronic Information Services, Inc. For more information on SunFriendlyProducts.com please call (866) SAFE-SUN or visit the Company's Web site at www.SunFriendlyProducts.com.

Melanoma: Watch Your Back

2005-08-31T08:36:00.000-04:00

"Melanoma: Watch Your Back"

Submitted By: Anastasia Petro, M.D. to CancerNews.com

Article authored by
Anastasia Petro, MD, Jennifer Schwartz, MD

These days it's not only the suspicious stranger lurking behind your back that you have to watch. In the United States, you are more likely to run into trouble from a melanoma on your back, the most common location of this potentially deadly skin cancer.

Each year over a million people in the United States alone will be diagnosed with skin cancer. Of these, approximately 80,000 will be afflicted with melanoma. The incidence or the number of new cases of melanoma per year continues to rise. One in seventy-one persons born in the year 2001 will develop melanoma over their lifetime. Although it is not the most common skin cancer, melanoma is the most aggressive and has the ability to spread to other parts of the body.

Melanoma is a malignant tumor that is made up of abnormal melanocytes. Normal melanocytes, which reside in everybody's skin, are cells that produce a brown pigment called melanin. Melanin is the major determinant of a person's skin color and also serves as the body's own natural sunscreen. A melanoma develops when certain melanocytes are no longer able to control their own growth and continue to multiply at a fast rate. This phenomenon occurs when melanocytes undergo significant damage. Too much exposure to sunlight, especially enough to cause blistering or peeling sunburns during childhood, can result in enough cellular injury to cause a melanoma as well as other skin cancers. In addition, there are other factors that make a person more susceptible to developing a melanoma. These include:
· Blond or red hair, blue eyes, or fair skin
· More than 100 normal moles or many unusual moles
· Previous history of a melanoma
· Blood relative(s) with a melanoma

You can't change the way you look or your relatives. However, you can reduce your risk of melanoma by wearing plenty of sunscreen that protects against both ultraviolet A and B rays, avoiding sun exposure between the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM when the sun is brightest, seeking shade, and covering yourself up with clothing.
In general, early detection of any cancer including melanoma increases the likelihood of a complete cure. The most likely person to detect an early skin cancer is you! We do not expect you to be able to diagnosis skin cancer but simply being aware of changes occurring on your skin may save your life. There are three main points that you need to know in order to properly perform a self-skin-examination:

· Point #1: Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body from head to toe, although it is most common on sun-exposed skin. Therefore, you should examine your skin everywhere, including the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. Mirrors may be used to inspect areas that you are unable to directly visualize.

· Point #2: "Know your ABCD's." These are different than the ones we all learned in Kindergarten. The "ABCD's" are comprised of four descriptive features, which many melanomas have. Keep in mind that the "ABCD's" are not perfect criteria and are meant to be used as a general guide for you to examine your skin. The bottom line is for you to remember to check your skin. If any spots on your body have a change in size, shape, or color or make you uncomfortable, the best action is to undergo a formal examination by a trained and experienced healthcare professional.

"A" for Asymmetry
Basically one side does not look like the other.

"B" for Border Irregularity
Jagged, irregular borders are more worrisome than smooth borders.

"C" for Color Variation
Different colors in the same lesion can be a sign of an abnormal lesion.

"D" for Diameter > 6mm
Lesions larger than a head of a pencil eraser (about 6mm) are more concerning for melanoma.

· Point #3: Remember that 70% of melanomas develop in normal skin while 30% start in a mole.

If you think that you may have a melanoma, the next step is to see your primary care physician or a dermatologist, a specialist of the skin. If your doctor suspects a skin cancer, he or she may refer you to a dermatologist for further evaluation or may perform a biopsy of the lesion during the office visit. The skin biopsy (the act of taking a sample of skin) is performed to confirm the diagnosis of melanoma. If the biopsy is positive for melanoma, then further treatment will be required. In addition, when diagnosed with a melanoma, a total body skin and lymph node examination should be performed. At the office visit, patients should be asked questions regarding their general health. Depending on the biopsy results and the information obtained by the clinician during this thorough history and physical inspection, additional laboratory tests may be warranted. Also, patients should be encouraged to inform other family members, whose risk of developing a melanoma may be higher, about their diagnosis. These family members often benefit from skin examinations as well.

The first step in treating melanoma will usually involve total removal of the melanoma, if complete removal at the time of biopsy is not possible. For melanoma, prognosis is mainly based on the greatest thickness of the primary tumor into the skin, which is known as the Breslow depth. The Breslow depth will determine the necessary treatment. This includes how much additional skin tissue surrounding the melanoma will need to be removed for the greatest likelihood of a cure. This is referred to as the surgical margin, which typically ranges between 0.5 cm and 2 cm, depending on the thickness of the melanoma. For thin melanomas, this may be the only treatment. However, for thicker melanomas, additional procedures may be recommended.

Certain patients with thicker melanomas may be candidates for sentinel lymph node mapping. Lymph nodes are important because they are the most common sites (after the surrounding skin) to which melanoma spreads. Thicker melanomas, as defined by the Breslow depth, have a higher chance of metastasizing, or spreading, to the lymph nodes. The sentinel lymph node is defined as the first lymph node to which the primary melanoma is most likely to have spread. Mapping the location of the sentinel lymph node involves injection of a special dye and radioactive material at the site of the primary melanoma. If the sentinel lymph node has no evidence of melanoma, then in many patients no further treatment is required. However, if the sentinel lymph node is positive, then removal of all the other lymph nodes in the same area is necessary. Also, these patients may be considered for other non-surgical therapies, such as interferon. Interferon is a substance that boosts a person's immune system, which plays a key role in helping the body fight infections as well as cancer including melanoma.

If melanoma has metastasized, or spread, beyond the lymph nodes, the chance for cure decreases. The treatment for metastatic melanoma may involve immunotherapies, which can include vaccines, and other chemotherapeutic agents. These patients are usually under the care of medical oncologists, specialists who treat cancer non-surgically.

Photographs of Cutaneous Melanomas

Note asymmetry and
irregular border

Note asymmetry, large size,
irregular border, and color

Note irregular border
and color

Note asymmetry and irregular border

Like many cancers, early diagnosis is an important factor for prognosis and treatment of melanoma. Worrisome spots or those that are changing in size, shape, and/or color as well as lesions that are persistently bleeding or itching should be examined by a trained medical professional skilled at diagnosing skin lesions.

Anastasia Petro, M.D., Resident, Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan
Jennifer Schwartz, M.D., Lecturer, Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan

SunFriendlyNews

Sun Protection Hats

2005-08-09T14:01:00.001-04:00

Sun Protection Hats
Man, woman or child, you need good protection when you're out in the sun. In order for a hat to offer adequate protection, it should shield not just your forehead and the top of your head, but also your neck, face and ears. At sunfriendlyproducts.com, we have stylish and efficient hats for all ages and genders.

The Solaroo Unisex Hat, a new item, has great classic style combined with exceptional protection. The wide-shaped brim, high ventilated crown, and UPF 50-plus fabric assure your comfort and safety. This hat has a useful chin strap and built-in flotation, and it is also machine washable. That means you can keep it, and you can keep it clean!

For women, we also offer a reversible boutique-style hat with a navy blue Solarweave shell and a choice of colorful print linings. This hat is highly flattering, while providing excellent protection. It is made of a fabric that blocks 98 percent of the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Sun Protection Hats for Babies and Children
For babies and children, we have a wide selection of adorable protective hats. Maximum protection is offered by our flap hat in prints for boys and girls. The large brim and neck-covering flap have made it a top pick by dermatologists, as reported on NBC News. It stays put with a Velcro strap. We also have wide-brimmed bucket style hats and a pith helmet style, also with a very wide brim, for your little Indiana Jones. Give your child the best of both worlds: outdoor fun and protection from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Sun Protective Clothing

2005-08-09T14:01:00.000-04:00

Sun Protective Clothing
At sunfriendlyproducts.com, you can find an amazing array of sleek and sassy swimsuits for children. These surfer-style suits are made of a fabric that blocks 98 percent of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. The sun-protective fabric, however, remains lightweight and breathable, so your little one won't object to wearing it.

For baby boys, check out our Blue Crab suit. In sizes to fit up to 18 months, this suit has snaps at the crotch for quick and easy diaper changes, and sports a delightful crab graphic. Your beach baby girl will look adorable in a pink suit with a heart motif, also with a snap crotch.

For toddlers and older children, there are many colorful choices. Some have a shark motif, sports styling, ruffles, or flowers. There are one and two-piece styles, as well as UV-protecting shirts in short or long sleeves and a cape, great for bicycling. All of our products have a UPF of 50 for maximum protection. Don't forget to accessorize with hats and sunglasses!

About Sun Friendly Products
Sun Friendly Products is a family-run business. It is our mission to find clothes that are both protective and fun to wear, from our family to yours. All of our products have been tested on our own three children, so we know they are comfortable and practical, and that kids like them. Please note that sizes vary. We have made a note regarding items that run particularly large or small. Though surfers wear their suits like a second skin, we recommend that you choose a looser fit for children.

Sun Protection Clothing

2005-08-09T14:00:00.000-04:00

Sun Protection Clothing
We can thank the world of surfing for bringing us the music of The Beach Boys, as well as some colorful slang and movies from Gidget to The Endless Summer. Surfers have always had a great influence on style, too. At sunfriendlyproducts.com, we've combined the most popular surfer looks with sun-protective fabrics to give you both style and safety.

Solaroo Swim Shirts
One of our most popular products is the Solaroo Floral Swim Shirt. The clean lines of a wetsuit are combined with vivid solid colors for the body and a white hibiscus print on the sleeves. This island style is presented in a fabric that blocks up to 98 percent of harmful ultraviolet rays. The swim shirt is suitable for both males and females, and comes in both child and adult sizes. We also have surf shirts in solid colors, two-color blocks, and solid colors with long sleeves.

For babies and children, we have one and two-piece wetsuit type bathing suits in a wide variety of colors and styles. These lightweight, easy maintenance suits block out 98 percent of ultraviolet rays and have a UPF of 50. As every parent knows, however, the best protection in the world isn't going to do any good if your child refuses to wear the garment.

Sun Friendly Products is a family-run business, and we've tested every article of our clothing line on our own three children. Even though the weave of this fabric is three times tighter than the average, it is still very breathable and comfortable. Add to that our vivacious colors, hip surfer style and cute motifs, and you have a swimsuit that your child will be happy to wear.

Baby Sun Protection

2005-08-09T13:59:00.000-04:00

Baby Sun Protection
Your baby's creamy, delicate skin needs special protection from the harmful rays of the sun. Even one severe sunburn at an early age means your child will have twice the normal risk of skin cancer as an adult. Severe sunburn isn't the only problem, either: even moderate exposure on a continued basis sets the stage for sun damage.

Stroller Covers
At sunfriendlyproducts.com, we offer an excellent range of stroller covers. The Universal Stroller Sun Protector shields your little passenger not only from the UVA and UVB rays, but also from wind and insects. It comes in single and double stroller sizes. We also have sun protection specifically designed for many of the best stroller brands, such as the Bugaboo, Baby Trend and MacLaren.

The Solaroo SunFree Blankee is made of 100% Solarweave Supplex Nylon Sun-Protective Fabric. This lightweight and versatile sheet makes a great gift! We also carry protective covers for infant carriers and car seats.

When they're out of their strollers and car seats, sun protection must go with them. We have a great collection of hats, including the wide-brimmed Li'l Adventurer, as well as wide-brimmed bucket hats with a strap, and for the maximum protection, our flap hat with a strap. Our hats come in colorful fabrics and playful prints, and block out 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays. We also carry BabyBanz and KidzBanz sunglasses and an adorable hat and sunglasses combination.

Finally, check out our collection of wet-suit style protective bathing suits. These suits are lightweight and breathable, and their colorful styles make them fun to wear. All suits have a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50, so you can let your little sea sprite have fun in the sun without worry.

Sun Protection

2005-08-09T13:58:00.000-04:00

Sun Protection
The age of ultraviolet innocence is over. Now that we know how much damage excessive sun exposure can cause, there's no excuse for not protecting yourself and your family. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy a trip to the beach any more. It simply means that you have to be sensible about providing shelter from the sun.

Cabanas and Shelters for the Beach
At sunfriendlyproducts.com, you can find an excellent assortment of tents, cabanas, and sun shades. The Sun Stop'r Qwik Cabana I is 36"h X 39"w X 39"d and comes with its own carry case. This easy-to-use shelter sets up in no time, with an integral floor and side pockets adds weight for wind stability. Its colorful fabric blocks 98 percent of UVA and UVB rays.

The InStent Family Cabana is large--6'L x 5'D x 4'H--but sets up in seconds. The shelter is completely assembled and pops open with the pull of two cords. This very clever design also folds down again with the push of a button. The front door and side panels can be opened completely to enjoy the environment or closed for privacy.

At Sun Friendly Products, our focus is on family. We are a family-run business, and we have three children of our own. Our mission is to keep your family safe, while allowing the maximum amount of fun in the sun. We offer the highest quality sun protection products at reasonable prices, and have personally tested each product we carry.

WHAT GOES ON BEYOND THE SUN BLOCK

2005-05-18T12:21:00.000-04:00

Summer is near and sun block is being purchased by the masses in an effort to protect ourselves and our children from the sun. Sun block manufacturer's now recommend sun block in 'conjunction' with UV blocking clothing and gear for maximum sun protection. Listed are some products that are now being used in addition to sun block to make for a safer summer of fun.

When you venture to the beach you'll notice 'surf shirts' worn by many. "Though very stylish, Solaroo Rash Guards serve greater purpose, they block 98% of UV rays, are lightweight, and reduce rashes because they dry very quickly" said Jen Clement, co-founder of SunFriendlyProducts.com, a website providing sun protection to families from newborn through adult. "Considering children have their backs turned toward the sun between surfing waves and building sand castles, the additional protection means fewer crisp shoulders and burned backs this summer".

SunFriendlyProducts.com offers 98% UV blocking body swimsuits as well, which provide much greater coverage on the legs, arms, and back compared to a standard swimsuit. The bright colors offered are a must near water making it easy to spot children, and SunFriendlyProducts.com prides themselves on offering certified UV protection products of style, quality and selection knowing that sun protection can come in style.

There are also items like cabana's that are made with UV protective fabric and shield from the sun. SunFriendlyProducts.com was reported to have the "best pick" cabana by Wall Street Journal because of the UV protection and ability to withstand wind. It is large enough to fit the family underneath and it also has a detachable floor so children can play in the sand while being protected from the sun. All of the cabana's offered at SunFriendlyProducts.com are made with the consumer in mind, they are lightweight and easy to carry.

New parents and parents to small children enjoy items like the Sunfree Blankee that is lightweight like a sheet, and blocks 98% of UV rays. This particular item can be tied to a stroller, a front carrier, an infant carrier, just about anything. For Mom's that are told to avoid sun block on their children until 6 months of age, this product comes in handy for time spent outdoors.

The wide brimmed hats are a must, and on the little one's the flap hat takes center stage because it blocks 98% of UV rays, protects the back of a child's neck and the sides of their face, and has a strap to keep it in place. Even the 100% UV blocking sunglasses offered at SunFriendlyProducts.com are made with no arms and have an adjustable band to keep the glasses in place, so they stay on and can grow with your child. And after your child is fully dressed from the sun, SunFriendlyProducts.com offers things like pools and floats with a cover to keep them shaded while at play.

For summer sun and safety, consider the use of UV blocking clothing and gear in conjunction with sun block applications for maximum sun protection. Have a safe summer with sun friendly products!

Jen and Ryan Clement are the parents of three and founder's of http://www.SunFriendlyProducts.com, a business dedicated to providing sun protection products and gear to families all over the world. These products include UV Protective swimsuits, stroller covers, portable beach cabanas, chemical-free sun blocks, as well as many items for outdoor family fun. For more information, please visit http://www.SunFriendlyProducts.com or call 866-SAFE-SUN.

Stressed Mice Quicker to Get Skin Cancer

2005-05-05T09:08:00.000-04:00

AScribe Newswire - December 08, 2004
http://www.psycport.com/stories/ascribe_2004_12_08_eng-ascribe_eng-ascribe_132518_8721690437287348832.xml.html

Stressed Mice Quicker to Get Skin Cancer

AScribe Newswire - December 08, 2004
BALTIMORE, Dec. 8 (AScribe Newswire) -- Does stress speed up the onset of skin cancer? The answer, in mice anyway, appears to be "yes." Scientists at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center say that chronic stress may speed up the process in those at high-risk for the disease. Their new study, published in the December issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, shows that mice exposed to stressful conditions and cancer-causing UV light develop skin cancers in less than half the time it took for non-stressed mice to grow tumors.

The Hopkins investigators say that if what they are seeing in mice has relevance in man, stress-reducing programs like yoga and meditation may help those at high risk for skin cancer stay healthy longer.

"There's a lot of evidence pointing to the negative effects of chronic stress, which dampens our immune system and impacts various aspects of our health," says Francisco Tausk, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins and director of the study. "But, to help create solid treatment strategies, we need a better understanding of the mechanisms of how stressors affect skin cancer development."

Tausk exposed 40 mice to the scent of fox urine - the mouse equivalent of big-time stress - and large amounts of UV light. The first skin tumor in one of the mice appeared after eight weeks of testing. Mice exposed only to UV light began developing tumors 13 weeks later. By 21 weeks of testing, 14 of the 40 stressed mice had at least one tumor, and two non-stressed mice had tumors. Most tumors were squamous cell skin cancers, also known as non-melanoma cancers, but which have the potential to spread to other parts of the body.

Chronic stress is known to suppress the activity of immune system cells that recognize foreign invading cells and target them for destruction. Acute stress, which is episodic and time-limited, such as parachuting or riding a roller coaster, may have the opposite effect of chronic stress.
"Acute stress actually can rev up the immune system," Tausk says.

Tausk and his team will conduct more studies to find the cancer pathways influenced by chronic stress.

"Stress reduction programs usually are a good option for many people, but we think they may be more important for individuals at high-risk for skin cancer," he says.
Fair-skinned people exposed to large amounts of UV light and patients previously diagnosed with squamous cell skin cancer, genetic diseases or organ transplants that predispose them to the disease are considered high-risk.

The investigators urge people concerned about their risk for skin cancer to speak with their health-care provider before starting any stress-reduction or exercise program.
This research was funded by the Johns Hopkins Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Participants in this research are Jason L. Parker, Sabra L. Klein, Warwick L. Morison, and Xaobu Ye from the Johns Hopkins; Martha McClintock from the University of Chicago; Claudio J. Conti from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; and Carlos Nousari from the University of Miami.
- - - -
CONTACT: Vanessa Wasta, Johns Hopkins Medicine Office of Corporate Communications, 410-955-1287, wastava@jhmi.edu
RELATED URLs:
www.hopkinskimmelcancercenter.org
www.hopkinsdermatology.org
-30-
AScribe - The Public Interest Newswire / 510-653-9400
©2004 AScribe News, Inc.
This news story is not produced by the American Psychological Association and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the association.
PsycPORT® is a product of the American Psychological Association created to provide quick access to mass-media information related to psychology. ®2001 American Psychological Association Last updated: 01/07/2005 - 08:08 AM

CNN.com - Doctors seeing more melanoma in kids - Apr 28, 2005

2005-04-28T11:48:00.000-04:00

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Make Your Sun Friendly - by Jennifer Clement

2005-04-16T20:19:00.000-04:00

Every day we hear about the dangers of the sun and negative effects it can have on the lives of our families. We continually hear about this problem, but very rarely do we hear suggestions for solutions to this issue (outside of the wear your sun block or the stay-out-of-the-sun warnings). As a working mom and taking these issues to heart, I had repeated confrontations with my children’s daycare provider over what constitutes proper sun protection. It did not seem right to me that I was doing things such as walking backwards with the stroller or covering the stroller with blankets to protect my child from the sun while my daycare provider would not take even take the simplest precautions, such as applying sunscreen.

I have found that our kids being in the sun is a fact of life, be it going to soccer practice, the park, the beach, or just playing in the backyard. Our children rely on us to protect them from the pain of a sun- burn, no less the long-term effects of sun exposure. My mother continually struggles with recurring skin cancer and the American Cancer Society declared that “One severe sunburn as a child, doubles the chance for skin cancer later in life.” This is a very real issue that we must face together with our families.

Here are some tips for enjoying the sun safely:

1) Limit Time in the Midday Sun – the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
2) Apply Sun Block before going outside. Most sun blocks take about 20 minutes to be absorbed and become effective. Make sure that you apply a “broad spectrum” sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 and reapply every 2 hours when working or playing outdoors. Even waterproof sunscreen can come off when you towel dry, sweat or spend time in the water.
3) Wear a Hat. A hat with a wide brim offers good sun protection for the eyes, ears, face, and the back of the neck – areas particularly sensitive to the sun.
4) Cover Up. Wear UV rated clothing or other tightly woven, full-length clothing.
5) Wear Good Sun Glasses. Check the label when buying sunglasses. Sunglasses that provide 99-100% UVA and UVB protection will greatly reduce sun exposure that can lead to cataracts or other eye damage.
6) Seek Shade. Look to play in shaded areas of the park or the backyard. Just because one is outside does not mean that they have to be in direct sunlight.
7) Have Fun.
Our children have one thing that my mother or even many of us did not have as children…AWARENESS. Our children are blessed that we have an awareness of the problem and we are blessed with awareness of the solution. I hope that you enjoy these tips on how to make your sun friendly.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jen Clement lives in South Florida and is a mother of two children and cofounder of http://www.SunFriendlyProducts.com and can be reached via email at jclement@sunfriendlyproducts.com. Sun Friendly Products focuses on providing products that offer easy and effective sun protection for our families. These products include UV Protective swimsuits, stroller covers, portable beach cabanas, chemical-free sun blocks, as well as many items for outdoor family fun. For more information, please visit http://www.SunFriendlyProducts.com or call 866-SAFE-SUN.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sun Safety for Kids

2005-04-16T15:47:00.000-04:00

Sun Safety for Kids - excerpt from melanoma.com.

Infants, children, and teens who get sunburned may not see the long-term damaging effects for many years. Parents should remember to protect their children from the sun's rays by following the same sun safety tips as adults. Also, special sunscreens are available for babies and children who are under 6 years of age.

In general, children should:
- Avoid the sun from 10 AM to 4 PM.
- Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen — sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher.
- Stay out of tanning salons.
- Have a skin check-up regularly.
- Keep babies 6 months or younger out of the sun whenever possible.

SunFriendlyProducts.com is committed to helping your family get outfitted in high-quality reasonably priced UV sun protection gear.

ScienceDaily News Release: Stressed Mice Quicker To Get Skin Cancer

2005-04-15T15:48:00.000-04:00

Source: Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
Date Posted: 2004-12-14
Web Address: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/12/041208225222.htm

STRESSED MICE QUICKER TO GET SKIN CANCER

Does stress speed up the onset of skin cancer? The answer, in mice anyway, appears to be "yes." Scientists at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center say that chronic stress may speed up the process in those at high-risk for the disease. Their new study, published in the December issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, shows that mice exposed to stressful conditions and cancer-causing UV light develop skin cancers in less than half the time it took for non-stressed mice to grow tumors.

The Hopkins investigators say that if what they are seeing in mice has relevance in man, stress-reducing programs like yoga and meditation may help those at high risk for skin cancer stay healthy longer.

"There's a lot of evidence pointing to the negative effects of chronic stress, which dampens our immune system and impacts various aspects of our health," says Francisco Tausk, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins and director of the study. "But, to help create solid treatment strategies, we need a better understanding of the mechanisms of how stressors affect skin cancer development."

Tausk exposed 40 mice to the scent of fox urine - the mouse equivalent of big-time stress - and large amounts of UV light. The first skin tumor in one of the mice appeared after eight weeks of testing. Mice exposed only to UV light began developing tumors 13 weeks later. By 21 weeks of testing, 14 of the 40 stressed mice had at least one tumor, and two non-stressed mice had tumors. Most tumors were squamous cell skin cancers, also known as non-melanoma cancers, but which have the potential to spread to other parts of the body.

Chronic stress is known to suppress the activity of immune system cells that recognize foreign invading cells and target them for destruction. Acute stress, which is episodic and time-limited, such as parachuting or riding a roller coaster, may have the opposite effect of chronic stress. "Acute stress actually can rev up the immune system," Tausk says.

Tausk and his team will conduct more studies to find the cancer pathways influenced by chronic stress.

"Stress reduction programs usually are a good option for many people, but we think they may be more important for individuals at high-risk for skin cancer," he says.

Fair-skinned people exposed to large amounts of UV light and patients previously diagnosed with squamous cell skin cancer, genetic diseases or organ transplants that predispose them to the disease are considered high-risk.

The investigators urge people concerned about their risk for skin cancer to speak with their health-care provider before starting any stress-reduction or exercise program.

This research was funded by the Johns Hopkins Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Participants in this research are Jason L. Parker, Sabra L. Klein, Warwick L. Morison, and Xaobu Ye from the Johns Hopkins; Martha McClintock from the University of Chicago; Claudio J. Conti from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; and Carlos Nousari from the University of Miami.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy?

2005-04-15T14:54:00.000-04:00

Only if I'm wearing my Solaroo...

I guess John Denver never had a sunburn like the one I had when I was 13, and couldn't get rid of the chills, I was in pain. Or maybe he wore a Solaroo Rash Guard that is stylish and blocks UV rays to prevent sunburn, which is why he could focus on the song, and not the application of aloe. Whatever the case, the point is that UV rays are damaging to the skin. Not only the cumulative affects of the sun such as skin cancer, but the short term affects like the pain of crisp shoulders and back, and the chills and
complaints that follow.

Today UV clothing has become a part of summer living. They are perfect for the kids to wear on top of their swimming trunks or over their swimsuits, but many parents report that their kids wear them for all day playing as well. Perfect for a day at the park, soccer practice, or romping around the neighborhood. The adults love them to and wear them at the beach or for exercise or yard work. Why? Not only do they filter out UV rays, but they
prevent rashes due to their fast drying fabric, and are lightweight.

My kids have a tendency to recreate lyrics, and I can see why...

Solaroo on my shoulders, makes me happy!
Summers near...are you ready.

Q&A with SunFriendlyProducts.com - Surviving the Sun

2005-04-15T13:15:00.000-04:00

-My doctor told me no sun block on my baby until he is six months old but I would rather put sun block on my infant than have him burn, and I am going to Florida on vacation. What do you recommend?

Yes, we hear this question from many of our customers and we know that whatever your doctor recommends would be what you should do. That being said, we have some solutions to help you avoid the sun. The SunFree Blankee is a light-weight sheet that ties on to just about anything. Parent's use this blanket to tie to the stroller, front carrier, or to drape over their child while at any outdoor event. It even comes in a cape with a hood that is perfect for times when you have to spend longer durations in the sun, such as an infant on a bike seat or in a baby jogger while Mom or Dad gets some exercise. The protection: 98% UV blocking.

- My baby gets a rash out in the heat, will your clothing help protect her?

The swimsuits and Solaroo rash guards that we sell are not only UV blocking, they help guard against rashes because they are fast drying. Many of our sales for UV blocking swimsuits are to Northerner's, in the winter, who use them in indoor pools so that their children can dry quicker once they are out. We also hear from a lot of parents that their child has eczema, and that their doctor has recommended wearing UV blocking clothes to lesson the skin irritation. Please note that our clothes are UV blocking because of the weave of the product and are not chemically treated like other companies might offer.

-I see various cabana's offered on your website, which one should l get?

Depending on the age of your child, there are several options. The cabana I (or cabana II which is larger) and the sun dome are the two most compared by consumers. The cabana I folds up like a rain umbrella, and has a shoulder strap for easy carrying. It is extremely easy to open and close by using cords to pull on, and has breathable side ventilation and a large front screen that zips up to keep the bugs out. The sun dome folds flat with a shoulder strap, so again, it is easy to carry and store. It offers the same side ventilation, but has a larger mesh area on one side. It opens and closes with a twist-action. So which is right for you? We sell equal amounts of each and they are all UPF50+, providing sun protection for your child, it depends on your own personal needs but they all serve the purpose of providing sun protection on your little ones!

-My child won't wear sunglasses, but I want to protect his eyes.

The owner's of the company agree, getting a child to wear sunglasses is hard work. They used to offer 100% UV blocking sunglasses by another brand, but quickly switched inventory to the Banz product because they tried them and it worked for their children. The Banz sunglasses have no arms, so little hands won't snap them, or poke themselves in the eye. They are also adjustable to fit a child's head, and have a Velcro band for adjustable sizing that grows with the child, ages 0-2 and 2-5, so they will last through a few years.