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The sun's ultraviolet rays are at their strongest during the summer, and unprotected skin and eyes can be damaged in as little as 15 minutes. Use these simple tips when outside to enjoy the sun safely:
* Wear sunscreen: Keep some handy in your car, purse and around the house. Sunscreen with a sun protection factor, SPF, of at least 30 is best. Don't forget the ears, feet and behind the neck. Apply it at home before going outside.
* Wear protective clothing: Warmer weather inevitably means visiting the pool or the beach. When bathing suit shopping this summer, pick up a few lightweight wraps and cover shirts; they offer much more protection than sunscreen.
* Cover your head: Whether it is a baseball cap or floppy, wide-brimmed hat, find one to protect your head and face during the summer months and wear it. Anything that keeps your sensitive scalp protected is going to lower your chances of skin cancer.
* Avoid the danger times: The Food and Drug Administration says that UVA/UVB rays are at their most dangerous from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Do your best to stay in the shade during those hours.
-- ARA
