Safely soak in fun in the sun

Summer’s around the corner. It’s the time to spend warm days soaking up some sun while sipping on a drink poolside, splashing in a lake, or strolling on a path. Catching some rays has benefits, but it can put your health at risk if you’re not safe.

The sun can damage your skin in just 15 minutes. Intense exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays without protection can cause sunburn, dark spots and skin cancers like melanoma. While people with lighter skin color are more susceptible to skin cancer, anyone can get it. And skin cancer is the most common cancer in the country, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

The ACS estimates that 97,610 melanoma cases will be diagnosed and 7,990 people are expected to die from skin cancer this year.

Follow these safety tips when you know you’ll be spending time outdoors:

• Seek shade: Limit your exposure to UV light.
• Wear protective clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants or long skirts cover the most skin and are the most protective.
• Use sunscreen: Apply SPF 30 or higher at least 20 minutes before sun exposure.
• Wear a hat: A hat with at least a 2- to 3-inch brim all around is ideal.
• Wear sunglasses that block UV rays: UV-blocking sunglasses are important for protecting your eyes.

For more information, visit the American Cancer Society at cancer.org.