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Protect yourself from the
SUN
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The facts are as glaring as the sun: You can't tan without damaging your skin. And tanning is responsible for a growing number of skin cancers in the U.S. - more than 700,000 cases last year.
It's time to become sun safe. Here's what you can do to prevent ultraviolet damage to your skin...
Avoid excess sun exposure, especially between 10 am and 3 pm when the sun's rays are strongest. Up to 80% of ultraviolet radiation can penetrate clouds; so when you're outside wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and a wide-brimmed hat.
Wear a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher (30 is preferable for face, ears and neck). Check product labels and choose a sunscreen with protection against both forms of ultraviolet light - UVA and UVB. UVB causes sunburns and skin cancer. UVA contributes to skin cancer and premature skin aging.
Start sun protection in childhood. Most people receive the majority of their sun exposure before age 18. Using sunscreens regularly throughout childhood has been shown to reduce the risk of skin cancer later in life by as much as 80%. Sunscreens aren't approved for use on infants under 6 months.
Increased Risks: You or your child are at greater risk for skin cancer if you have: a fair complexion, lots of moles, a family history of skin cancer, a history of sunburns, years of heavy exposure to midday sun, regular use of electronic tanning machines.