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