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Summer in Hope means more time at ballfields, parks, gardens, farms and community events. Although being outdoors is good for the body and mind, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet, or UV, radiation can cause sunburn, premature skin aging, eye damage and skin cancer.

Most melanoma cases, including the deadliest form of skin cancer, are linked to UV exposure. Each year, approximately 6.1 million Americans are treated for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, the two most common skin cancers. The good news is that many harmful exposures can be prevented through simple daily habits.

“Children’s skin can be especially sensitive to the sun, and the sun-protection habits families establish early can last a lifetime,” said Dr. Ivana Radovanovic, a pediatrician with WindRose Health Network. “Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, apply it before children go outside and remember this simple rule: use liberally and remember to reapply!”

The Sun-Smart Checklist
Choose a broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30 because it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. “For the best protection, apply sunscreen approximately 15 to 30 minutes before children go outdoors,” Dr. Radovanovic said. “Reapply it about every two hours and sooner after swimming, sweating or drying off with a towel.”

Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin. Dermatologists generally recommend approximately one ounce, enough to fill a shot glass or small plastic medicine cup, to cover the exposed areas of the body.

Families may also follow the “teaspoon rule,” using approximately nine teaspoons for the entire body:

One teaspoon for the face and neck

One teaspoon for each arm

One teaspoon for the front of the torso

One teaspoon for the back of the torso

Two teaspoons for each leg

Do not forget commonly missed areas such as the ears, hands, feet, shoulders, scalp and back of the neck. Lift bathing-suit straps and apply sunscreen underneath them in case the straps move while a child is playing or swimming. Protect the lips with an SPF 30 or higher lip balm.

“Parents often do a good job applying sunscreen to the face, arms and legs, but areas such as the ears, tops of the feet, shoulders and back of the neck are easily overlooked,” Dr. Radovanovic said. “A thorough application before leaving home makes it less likely that an area will be missed.”

Check the daily UV Index before outdoor activities. A reading of 3 or higher means sun protection is recommended. When possible, schedule outdoor work and play earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon and take regular breaks in the shade. Sunscreen should be used along with other forms of protection. Wear tightly woven or UV-protective clothing, a wide- brimmed hat and sunglasses that block UV rays.

Sun-Safety Myth Busters
Myth: A cloudy day cannot cause a sunburn.
Fact: UV rays can still reach and damage the skin when the sky is cloudy.

Myth: People with darker skin do not need sunscreen.
Fact: Anyone can experience UV damage and develop skin cancer, regardless of skin tone.

Myth: A base tan protects the skin.
Fact: A tan is a sign that UV radiation has already damaged the skin. Indoor tanning also exposes the body to harmful UV radiation.

Myth: SPF 100 lasts all day.
Fact: Higher SPF does not eliminate the need to reapply. Sunscreen can wear off through sweating, swimming, toweling and normal activity.

Know Your Skin
Once a month, check your skin for a new spot, a sore that does not heal or a mole that changes in size, shape or color. Pay attention to the ABCDE warning signs: asymmetry, an irregular border, uneven color, a diameter that is growing and any spot that is evolving.

Sun protection does not mean staying indoors. It means preparing before stepping outside.

Keep sunscreen near the door, in a sports bag or with outdoor-work supplies so it becomes as routine as grabbing the keys.

A few minutes of prevention can help Hope residents enjoy Indiana’s sunshine more safely for years to come.