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Rose O'Toole: Summertime, and the livin' is easy -

Rose: and dangerous if you don't block those rays.

Rose: Hello, I'm Rose O’Toole

Lauren Stevens: and Hi I'm Lauren Stevens.

Rose: Remember the days of tanning with baby oil, a little bit of iodine mixed in for better color?

Rose: How many of you baked between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM because the sun was the hottest and the strongest during that time of day?

Rose: Well that old adage, "What you don't know won't hurt you", doesn't apply anymore.

Rose: We all know by now that baking in the sun is not healthy and paying a monthly fee to fry at the tanning booth is just asking for trouble.

Rose: The sun’s rays, can damage skin and lead to wrinkles, premature aging, painful sunburn, cataracts, basal cell and squamous cell cancer, and melanoma the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Lauren: It doesn't matter if you are fair or dark skinned, excessive exposure to the sun can literally kill you.

Lauren: Jamaican reggae legend Bob Marley died of skin cancer at age 36.

Lauren: The good news is that you have the power to prevent 80% of sun damage and skin cancers.

Lauren: By putting a layer of protection between your skin and the sun, you can shield yourself from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Lauren:
Here are some easy ways that you can reduce your risk:

Rose: First you can reduce sun exposure between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm when UV rays are the strongest.

Rose: If you are unsure about the sun's intensity, take the shadow test: If your shadow is shorter than you, plan activities out of the sun.

Rose: If you must be outdoors during these times, remember to protect your skin.

Rose: Of course, the importance of sunscreen can not be stressed enough.

Rose: Experts recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 not only in the summer, but all year-round.

Rose: With swimming an sweating you'll need to re-apply sunscreen every 2 hours even on cloudy days in order for it to remain effective.

Lauren: Next, use LOTS of sunscreen on all exposed skin- about a quarter cup for an adult.

Lauren: Apply it at least 20 minutes before you go outside.

Lauren: Check the expiration date too. Most sunscreen products are no longer effective after 2-3 years.

Rose: Those of you with children or grandchildren may want to pay special attention to the tender skin of little ones.

Rose: Using sunscreen on little ones should be second nature like using seatbealts and bike helmets.

Rose: Wearing sun protective clothing, wide brimmed hats, and sunglasses are a necessity if we do plan to be outdoors.

Rose: Dry clothing offers better protection against UV rays that wet.

Lauren: Also remember that UV rays reach the ground throughout the year, even on cloudy days.

Lauren: UV rays can also pass through water, so don't be fooled if you are in the water.

Lauren: Be especially careful on the beach and in the snow because reflected light increases the amount of UV radiation you receive.

Lauren: Sun damage also effects your eyes. Our eyes need as much protection as our skin but don't slather the sunscreen on them.

Lauren: Wear shades that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.

Lauren: Read the label. No label = No protection.

Rose: Even following these tips many of us may have already experienced the damaging rays of the sun and because early detection of skin cancer can mean the difference between life and death knowing how to spot changes in your skin is the best way to stay healthy.

Rose: Visit the CommonHealth website to see photos and a self examination guide to help you recognize changes in your skin and report them to your doctor.

Rose: Sun exposure adds up day after day, and it happens every time you are in the sun.

Rose: Understanding the risks and taking a few simple precautions can help you enjoy your time in the sun and avoid complications later in life.

Rose: Remember that skin cancer is a risk regardless of skin color, age or complexion type as skin cancer, cataracts, and premature aging can affect all people.

Rose: So be aware of the risks and Block Those Rays!