Copyright 2005 David Smith

Linda spends much of her summer near the beach. She lives in a mild climate and is very athletic. She loves to swim, bike and play games outside. Linda knows the dangers of the sun so she opts for tanning salons to get her 'golden glow' all ways being sure to apply cream daily before running out.

Mike lives in a cooler, northern climate. The summers can be incredibly short, and most of the year the days are even shorter with the harshest winter months. The beach has never been much of a draw for him and he spends most of his time doing indoor activities or at his job. Mike doesn’t worry about cream and only had one sun burn that he can remember and that was once he was a child.

Which of these examples do you most associate yourself with? Did you know that Linda and Mike have the same likely hood of developing carcinoma? We have all been told the warnings about the dangers of sun exposure. We know all about the importance of wearing cream and hats. But are YOU protected from carcinoma? Look at these myths and facts:

Story #1: Tanning Beds are all ways safer than the Sun

20 minutes of exposure in a tanning bed is roughly the equivalent as four hours in the sun. Although sun beds apply UVA rather than UVB rays, 'The Carcinoma Answer' states that "UV-A penetrates even more deeply into the skin than UV-B, can cause carcinoma, and can burn the body."

Story #2: Wearing Sun Block at the Beach is Protection

85 % of Ultraviolet light rays can even create it through on cloudy days. That means you are equally at gamble in the car, walking the dog or allowing your babies bent on play at any time of year - even once you're not at the beach. On the other hand, you are commonly less clad at the beach so covering up is suggested even once wearing sun block. Sun blocker can wear off with sweat and water and should always be applied every two hours or after you get wet.

Story #3: Taking Care of Your Skin Presently Will Protect You

Sadly, carcinoma can take 20 or even more years to develop. The Carcinoma Foundation states that most people receive about 80 % of their lifespan sun exposure before the age of 18. Just one blistering sun burn in childhood is estimated to double the gamble of skin cancer later in life. Taking better care now will reduce the chance however not eliminate the damage already done.

Story #4: Having a Tan Means You're Even more Protected

Naturally dark individuals are less likely to develop cancer however tanned skin is actually damaged skin. Continual tanning injures the skin and increases the gamble of carcinoma.

So how are you going to get ready to protect your family this year? A couple suggestions to start with is to limit exposure to the sun - especially for infants. Look at your skin for early signs of damage. Apply a sun block of SPF 15 or higher and apply it at least 30 minutes before exposure and every few hours after that. Teach your children early safety habits and be sure you and your family are covered with umbrella or cloths once you get out in the sun. Have fun and be safe.