Sunbathers, Beware

Here's how you can prevent skin cancer:

• Stay out of the sun when it's strongest-between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. You can estimate how dangerous the rays are by your shadow: if you can't see your shadow at all, you're at maximum risk; if your shadow is shorter than you are, you're at high risk; if your shadow extends beyond you, you're in safer territory.
• Keep the kids away from the sun. Two thirds of sun damage is done before our teenaged years are over. Babies less than six months old are too young for sunscreen; keep them out of the sun entirely.
• Wear tightly woven fabrics and a large-brimmed hat to protect your head, face, ears and neck.
• Buy a "broad spectrum" protection sunscreen. Dermatologists recommend at least an SPF 15. An interesting note: SPF 30 gives only 3% more protection than SPF 15. More SPF facts
• Toss the year-old bottle. Sunscreen loses its effectiveness as it ages, especially if it's exposed to extreme heat.
• Pucker up to sunscreen. Your lips are more vulnerable to cancer than you think. Remember them when you slather on the SPF 15.
• Wear protective sunglasses. Not only can they look trendy, but they also can protect your eyes from the sun, which can cause cataracts and retinal damage. More about your shades.
• You may not be made in the shade. UV rays are reflected by all kinds of surfaces, including water, sand, snow and pavement. A rule of thumb-if you're outside, you're exposed.
• Don't go tanning anywhere. The tanning salon carries the same risks as the beach.
• Can't cope without color? Try some of the fake tanning products currently on the market.

Holy moly!

• More skin cancer prevention
• More about dermatology