To Your Health: Skin safety As the days grow longer and warmer,
kids will begin to spend more time outdoors – at the ball
fields, chasing butterflies, making sandcastles and hanging out
by the pool. Yet, too much sun exposure without proper
protection can bring an end to any fun in the sun. Despite the
fact that sun tanning and burning increases skin cancer risks,
most Americans don’t protect themselves or their kids from the
sun’s damaging rays. As a result, skin cancer is the most common
cancer, and the incidence of melanoma – the most serious form of
skin cancer – is on the rise. However, if detected early, skin
cancer usually can be cured. Common skin cancer risk factors
include: fair complexion and light hair, a lot of moles and
blistering sunburns. Many people who get melanoma will have had
blistering sunburns in their teenage years, which is why it is
important to protect your kids and teens. Sun exposure is the
strongest risk factor and the one you can prevent by avoiding
over-exposure to the sun. “Th