Sun-safe behavior

See also: Stay safe in the sun this summer

Summer is almost over and days at the beach are almost past. But sun protection is necessary not only on the beach or at the swimming pool — it applies to all outdoor settings. Often, people get sunburns because they do not realize the need for protection. And though a sunburn will fade, damage to deeper layers of skin remains and can eventually cause cancer. Children can be exposed to intense sunlight on the balcony at home, on weekend trips or a visit to the zoo, during breaks at kindergarten or school, and during outdoor sporting activities.

Overexposure to ultraviolet rays are linked to skin cancer, premature aging of the skin, cataracts and suppression of the immune system.

Practicing sun safety is very important to reduce your lifetime sun-exposure. Everyday exposure counts; you do not have to be actively sunbathing to get a damaging dose of the sun. Practice these sun-protection basics all year round to reduce your chance of long-term health problem.

Limit time in the midday sun

The sun’s UV rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. To the extent possible, limit exposure to the sun during these hours.

Watch for the UV Index

This important resource helps you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure to the sun’s rays. While you should always take precautions against overexposure, take special care to adopt sun-safety practices when the UV Index predicts exposure levels of very high or above.

Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher whenever you spend time outdoors

• This applies to all outdoor activities: athletics, shopping, picnicking, walking or jogging, gardening — even waiting for a bus.

• Choose a sunscreen with ingredients that block both UVB and UVA rays.

• Apply liberally and evenly to all exposed skin. The average adult in a bathing suit should use approximately one ounce of sunscreen per application. Not using enough will reduce the product's SPF and the protection you get.

• Be sure to cover often-missed spots: lips, ears, around eyes, neck, scalp if hair is thinning, hands and feet.

• Reapply at least every two hours, more often if some of the product may have been removed while swimming, sweating or towel-drying.

• Choose a product that suits your skin and your activity.

Cover up

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Tightly woven fabrics and dark colors such as deep blue and black, or bright colors such as orange and red, offer more protection. If you can see light through a fabric, UV rays can get through too. Water makes fabrics more translucent, so do not rely on a wet T-shirt.

• A broad-brimmed hat goes a long way toward preventing skin cancer in often-exposed areas like the neck, ears, scalp, and face. Opt for a 3-inch to 4-inch brim that extends all around the hat. Baseball caps and visors shade the face but leave neck, lower face and ears exposed.

• UV-blocking sunglasses with wraparound or large frames protect your eyelids and the sensitive skin around your eyes, common sites for skin cancer and sun-induced aging. Sunglasses also help reduce the risk of cataracts later in life.

Seek the shade

Be aware, however, that sunlight bouncing off reflective surfaces can reach you even beneath an umbrella or a tree.

Never seek a tan

There is no such thing as a healthy tan. A tan is the skin's response to the sun's damaging rays.

Stay away from tanning parlors and artificial tanning devices

The UV radiation emitted by indoor tanning lamps is many times more intense than natural sunlight. Dangers include burns, premature aging of the skin, and the increased risk of skin cancer.