Avoiding the Burn.

Summer is nearly here and with it comes an increased risk of sunburn. Aside from making you miserably uncomfortable, sunburn can also lead to premature aging and skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States. Fortunately, skin cancer is largely preventable when sun protection measures are consistently used. These measures include:

* limiting exposure to the sun during the hours of 10 A.M. to 4 P.M., when the sun is the most intense

* using a sunblock with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 year-round. If you are fair skinned, have light-colored eyes and hair, or spend a lot of time outdoors, use an SPF 30 or higher. Apply the sunblock at least 15 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply it after prolonged physical activity. Remember to apply sunblock to your ears, nose, and neck.

* wearing a broad-rimmed hat to protect your head and sunglasses that block UVA/UVB rays to protect your eyes. Expert also recommend that you wear a long-sleeved T-shirt.

Experts estimate that because children spend so much time outdoors they receive approximately 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of eighteen. Regular use of sunblock can lessen the effects of the sun and lower the risk of getting certain skin cancers. Sunscreen works by blocking the ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB rays), which can cause sunburn and skin cancer, given off by the sun.

The UV index measures the amount of UV radiation reaching the ground and takes into consideration factors such as time of year, altitude and latitude, and cloud cover. Experts recommend checking the daily UV index, which many weather stations now report, and adjusting your activities accordingly.