Children´s sun protection need not conflict with health promoting physical activity: KIDSCAPE: A study of preschool outdoor environments in Sweden and North Carolina

Research output: Contribution to conferenceConference abstract for conferenceResearch

  • Margareta Söderström
  • Cecilia Boldemann
  • Ulf Wester
  • Margareta Blennow
  • Brad Bieber
  • Nilda Cosco
  • Henrik Dal
  • Robin Moore
  • Fredrika Mårtensson
  • Peter Pagels1
  • Anders Raunstorp
ABSTRACT:
Preschool children´s sun exposure was measured 2009 with UV-dosimeters at nine preschools in Malmö 55°N, in southern Sweden and at two in Raleigh 36°N, North Carolina, USA at comparable seasons. Outdoor playground environment was explored how play facilities, available space and vegetation influenced UV-exposure and also children´s physical activity measured with step-counters. In Malmö access to spacious outdoor play settings with vegetation decreased sunburn risk and increased physical activity during children´s free play in May - also during long stay outdoor. Results from Raleigh in April also indicate that vegetation is sunprotective when children play. Favourable outdoor environment may promote both sun protection and physical activity in a Nordic spring or summer climate, while for physical activity, this might not be so pronounced at a southern mid-latitude due to the role of climate and associated factors.
Original languageEnglish
Publication date2011
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 2011
EventInternational Joint workshop - Ljubljana, Slovenia
Duration: 18 May 201120 May 2011

Workshop

WorkshopInternational Joint workshop
CountrySlovenia
CityLjubljana
Period18/05/201120/05/2011

ID: 32445335