As temperatures start to climb and pools and outdoor activities become very popular the Guthrie County Public Health is urging the community to protect themselves. 

Director Jotham Arber says that sunscreen is important to put on when a person is exposed to the heat from outdoors. Arber stresses that parents or guardians should take extra precautions with their young children because there can be side effects. 

“We know that the sunscreen is applied correctly, it reduces the chances of them having any issues with any type of skin cancer as they get older. So for children, it’s very vital. Also, the sunscreen is going to help keep your child from having issues once they get burned with dehydration, kids’ skin is much more sensitive.”

He says for adults going without sunscreen can cause dehydration and severe burns. Arber encourages those to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather but with caution.