It's summer - glorious summer! 

Time to get outside, relax, have fun - and...

                                                 ... Ruin your skin?

                                                                     ... Increase your risk of cancer?

Not necessarily if you take appropriate care and:

KNOW THE WAYS OF THE RAYS!

• You can get burned on a cloudy day, and the sun’s rays can reach down into 3 feet of water.
• High altitude atmosphere does not filter out the ultraviolet rays as effectively as lower altitudes, so be aware of the increase chance of sunburn.
• Sand reflects the sun’s ray’s, too.
• Be wise and apply a good sunscreen every day with an SPF (sun protection factor) of AT LEAST 15.
• For your best protection, try to avoid the direct sun at midday, between 11 am and 2 pm.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses when outside

KNOW YOUR SKIN!!

Whatever your skin type, do a monthly self-exam of your skin to note any moles, blemishes, or birthmarks. Check them once a month, and if you notice any changes in size, shape, or color, or if a sore does not heal, see your health care provider without delay. Do not forget to check the rim of your warts, behind your ears, your back, behind your knees, and the soles of your feet.


KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!

Follow the ABCD RULE to determine the difference between an ordinary mole and a life-threatening melanoma?

ASYMMETRY:
Most moles are symmetrical. If you drew a line through the middle the two halves would mirror each other.
Melanomas are asymmetric; their two halves are NOT mirror images.

BORDER:
Most moles have a distinct border.
The border of a melanoma is likely to be notched, scalloped, or indistinct.

COLOR:
Moles may be either dark or light, but they tend to be all the same color.
Early melanomas are often uneven in color or a mixture of several different hues.

DIAMETER:
Once a melanoma has acquired the above characteristics, it is also likely to be more than 6 millimeters wide (about the diameter of a pencil eraser.)