When was the last time you left your house
in the morning without brushing your
teeth? What about applying sunscreen? If you’re
like most people, you don’t apply it as a regular
part of your day. Hunterdon Regional Cancer
Center’s Mary Vecchio, RN, MSN, OCN, is
working hard to change this.
“Sunscreen is not just for the beach, it’s
not just for the kids, it’s not just for sunny days,”
Ms. Vecchio declares. “It’s for everybody, every
day. With melanoma and other skin cancer
rates on the rise, sometimes even in children,
it’s more important than ever to make sun
protection a priority.” 
Here are some tips to protect you and your family
from the damaging rays of the sun:
Make sunscreen use a habit: Think of it the
same way as washing your hands and wearing a
seat belt. Keep it in a convenient place and carry
an extra tube in your sports bag.
Apply sunscreen liberally and often: It should
be applied 30 minutes before going outside and
reapplied at least every two hours. Children
under six months, however, should not wear
sunscreen. Instead, keep them covered and
avoid direct sunlight.
Read the label: Choose a broad-spectrum
sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher – and
wear it every day regardless of the forecast. Most
sunscreens today offer broad protection against
both UVA and UVB rays, but it’s still a good
idea to double check.
Know your UV As and Bs: UVA rays are those
most responsible for premature aging; they
penetrate the skin deeper than UVB rays. UVB
rays are dangerous on their own and cause DNA
damage. Both increase your risk of skin cancer.
Check the UV index: It can be found in your
local newspaper or online at www.weather.com.
Seek shade and wear shades: This is especially
true between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s
rays are the strongest. Sunglasses should be
polarized against UVA and UVB rays.
Keep an eye on your shadow: The sun’s rays
are strongest when your shadow is shorter
than you.
Shop for protective clothing: And don’t forget
to wear a hat (preferably with a wide brim).
Seek items marked with an Ultraviolet Fabric
Protection (UFP) label.
Advocate for sun safety at your children’s
school: Ask the school nurse or administrator
about recess activities: Is it held midday? Do kids
have time to apply sunscreen before going out?
Avoid tanning booths and salons: Self-tanning
lotions are the safest alternatives but most don’t
provide UV protection. Remember to use
sunscreen every day.
The Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center wants you to be safe in the sun.
Call 908-788-6568 to request a free sample of sunscreen. | 
