One American dies of melanoma almost every hour (every 62 minutes). In 2008, 8,420 deaths will be attributed to melanoma — 5,400 men and 3,020 women.

• Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. It is not enough to just look at the SPF. Look for ingredients that include at least one of the following:

•  Zinc Oxide
•  Titanium Dioxide
•  Avobenzone (Parsol 1789) or
•  Ecamsule (Mexoryl SX)

Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before exposing your skin to the sun. Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.

• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
• Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
• Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements, a daily dose of 800 IU/d to 1000 IU/d. Don’t seek the sun.
• Avoid tanning beds.  Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling.  If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
• Check your skin once a month.  If you notice anything new, changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist.  Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

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