As summer approaches, remember to protect your children (and yourselves) from the sun.  Overexposure to the ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause sunburns, wrinkles, freckles, cataracts, and skin cancer.  Doctors believe that most skin cancers can be avoided by preventing sun damage.  Childhood is the best time to begin sun safety habits. 

Sun safety habits include:
• using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more,
• covering up with clothing, sunglasses, and hats, and
• staying inside during the sun’s peak hours (10AM to 3PM) or taking cover under shade from trees or umbrellas.

Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before exposure to the sun.  Use waterproof sunscreen that cannot be washed off by water or sweat.  Do not use sunscreen containing the insect repellent DEET, which reduces the SPF of sunscreen.  It is also suggested that sunscreen not be used on babies under 6 months old.  Instead cover them with clothing and shade.