Summer time can be a lot more fun, if you block out the sun.

Hi, I’m Dr. John Hellerstedt with the Children’s Health Minute, presented by this station and TexCare-- connecting families with CHIP and Children’s Medicaid.

Most of our lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18 so it's never too early to protect against skin cancer and other damaging effects of the sun. Keep babies in the shade, and use a sunscreen with a protection factor of at least fifteen on children over six months. Apply it to dry skin fifteen to thirty minutes before going outdoors and put it on again after swimming or physical activity.

For a mild sunburn, try a cool bath, soothing gel and a pain reliever like Tylenol to relieve discomfort. One more thing to remember: If the sunburn is severe or blisters develop, call your doctor immediately.

Keep your kids healthy. Call toll-free 1-877-KIDS NOW for information or when it’s time to renew your children’s health insurance. That’s 1-877-KIDS NOW.