| Sunlight can cause many different problems | | | | 4. Small, mole-like growths, may be |
| the most serious of which is skin cancer. | | | | melanoma,the most serious type of skin cancer |
| Examples of what sunlight exposure can cause | | | | |
| also include premature aging, cataracts, and | | | | So how can you protect your family |
| wrinkles. The amount of damage can depend on | | | | |
| the strength of the light, the length of | | | | 1. Cover up. |
| exposure time and what type of protection is | | | | |
| used. There is no such thing as a safe | | | | Try this test: Place your hand between |
| suntan. Those who have fair complexions sure | | | | asingle layer of the clothing and a light |
| exercise the most caution. Skin cancer may | | | | source. Ifyou can see your hand through the |
| develop from exposure to sunlight, often | | | | fabric, thegarment offers little protection. |
| times people do not realize that skin cancer | | | | |
| may not develop until several years after | | | | 2. Use sunscreen. |
| exposure. Skin cancer may also appear | | | | |
| anywhere on the body, the area that is | | | | A sun protection factor (SPF) of atleast 15 |
| exposed may not be the area that develops | | | | blocks 93 percent of UV rays. You want |
| cancer. The most dangerous type of skin | | | | toblock both UVA and UVB rays to guard |
| cancer is Melanoma, Melanoma can be life | | | | against skincancer. Be sure to follow |
| threatening. Those at highest risk often | | | | application directionson the bottle. |
| display physical features that include Fair | | | | |
| skin, Blond, red, or light brown hair, | | | | 3. Wear a hat. |
| freckles, and possibly moles. Self | | | | |
| examination is a good idea for early | | | | A wide brim hat (not a baseball cap)is ideal |
| detection, a simple examination can be done | | | | because it protects the neck, ears, |
| monthly. Skin cancers that are detected early | | | | eyes,forehead, nose, and scalp. |
| can almost always be cured. The most | | | | |
| important warning sign to look for is a spot | | | | 4. Wear UV-absorbent shades. |
| on the skin that is changing size, shape, or | | | | |
| color during a period of 1 month to 2 years. | | | | Sunglasses should block at least 99% of UVA |
| If you find any of the following items you | | | | and UVB rays |
| should consult a health care specialist | | | | |
| immediately | | | | 5. Limit exposure. |
| | | | |
| 1. Pale, wax-like, pearly nodules. | | | | UV rays are most intensebetween 10 a.m. and 4 |
| | | | p.m. If you're unsure aboutthe sun's |
| 2. Red, scaly, sharply outlined patches. | | | | intensity, take the shadow test: If |
| | | | yourshadow is shorter than you, the sun's |
| 3. Sores that don't heal. | | | | rays arethe day's strongest. |
| | | | |