As a kid, most of your summer is spent at the pool or outside.  The extra hours of sun mean extra hours of play time after dinner and you are sure to use every bit of it. It is part of being a kid.

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Dr. Vernon Sondak says that on average about three fourths of our total exposure to sun occurs by the age of 18 with the most of it being a long weekend here and a couple of days there.  But it is important that even during those hours of intermittent sun exposure you make sure your kids are being protected from the ultraviolet rays of the sun because this burning sun exposure correlates with early and dangerous melanomas.

 It has been proven that the prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV) in childhood is one of the most common causes of melanoma later in life.  Experts such as Dr. Mary Lein say that even one or two heavy sunburns can increase the risk of developing melanoma. “That’s why it is so important to emphasize prevention early in life.”

Teaching your children early about sun-safe techniques are key in reducing multiple blistering sunburns and decreasing their chances of developing skin cancer.  Dr. Lien recommends going indoors between the hours of 10am and 2pm when the suns rays are the worst. Also, you should regularly apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, hats and not using tan beds.

Not all sunscreens though are created equal.  According to consumer report, while all sunscreens came within 10 percent of meeting their SPF (Sunburn Protection Factor), several products scored fair to poor on their UVA tests even if they passed the SPF claim test.

Things to remember when choosing sunscreen are choose a sunscreen with maximum protections against both UVA (Ultra-Voliet light, type A) and UVB (Ultra-Voliet light, type B) rays. Also pick one with the label that says very water resistant or waterproof and has an SPF of at least 30.  Sunscreens that tested the best are Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 45 and No-Ad Sunblock Lotion Maximum SPF 45.

Remember this summer while at the ballpark or at the beach, apply your sunblock to yourself and your kids every two hours or after swimming. Starting early in teaching your children about taking care when in the sun will create good habits for a long, happy future.

5 Tips for Preventing Skin Cancer:

The key to safety is common sense.

1. Protect your skin and your children’s skin all year long by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher everyday. Use a waterproof sunscreen.
2. Teach your children sun-protection habits at a young age.
3. Avoid using sunscreens on infants younger than 6 months and keep infants out of the sun.
4. Wear a wide brim hat that protects the face, nose, ears and back to neck. (Baseball cap is better than nothing but it doesn’t do the job.)
5. Avoid the use of tanning salons.

Want to learn more about how to protect yourself from the sun? Check out these websites for more information.

1. American Association of Dermatologist’s information on skin cancer and screenings: http://www.melanomamonday.org/
2. American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/LRN/LRN_0.asp?dt=39