Daily HealthBeat Tip

Save your skin.

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Being out in the summer sun is fun. It’s where the beach is – or the pool, or a park to go for a walk. But be sun-smart, because the skin cancer danger from too much sun adds up. And the adding-up can start earlier than you might think. Eighty percent of lifetime sun exposure happens in childhood. U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona:

"Contrary to what many young people believe, skin cancer is not a disease that targets seniors. Skin cancer is increasingly striking younger people, especially those in their twenties and thirties." (10 seconds)

One blistering sunburn in childhood can double a child’s risk of getting skin cancer. But it’s also easy to avoid the risk while keeping the fun. For instance: Stay inside at midday when the rays are at their peak, wear a hat, and use sunscreen frequently. SPF 15 or higher works for adults, but kids need SPF 30 or higher.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: August 8, 2005

The White House | USA.gov | HHS Archive | No FEAR Act