Skin cancer affects over a million Americans every year. Someone
in our country dies of skin cancer every hour. It is critical
that we teach young children and teens that there is no such
thing as a safe tan. One terrible sunburn to a child under 18
can double their risk of skin cancer. The FDA lists ultraviolet
radiation as a known carcinogen—something that causes cancer. To
help all of us be more prepared to take care of ourselves, the
Dermatology Nurses’ Association and Coolibar’s founders Mary
Mills Barrow and John Barrow have launched a Sun AWARE Program.
A—Avoid unprotected exposure at any time, but especially during
the hours of peak ultraviolet radiation (between 10 a.m. and 4
p.m.). Check out the EPA UV index and be prepared. W—Wear sun
protection clothing, including a long–sleeve shirt, hat with a
three-inch brim, sunglasses, and seek the shade. Keep babies out
of the sun. A—Apply broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun
protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to all unprotected skin
20 minutes before ex