One in five Americans develops skin cancer during their lifetime.

Every hour one person dies from this disease.

• Most sun exposure occurs before the age of 18.

• Infants are especially at risk, because their melanin (the skin pigment that provides a small amount of sun protection) is not fully developed.

• The incidence of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is increasing faster than any other form of cancer.
  

• Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause serious health effects, including skin cancer, eye damage, and immune system suppression

You can make a difference by providing outdoor sun protection!

How can I protect my children from the sun?

• Outdoor sun protection should begin in infancy and continue throughout life.
  As we get about 80 percent of our total lifetime sun exposure in the first 18 years of life, outdoor sun protection should begin in infancy.
  
• Stay away from the midday sun and its intense rays.
  Schedule play times and outdoor activities before 10:00 A.M. and after 4:00 P.M.. The sun's energy is greatest at midday.
  
• Provide shaded play areas.
  Sit or play out of the sun. Shade structures from Shadeports, Inc. filter 97% of the UV rays and provide a safe environment for outdoor play.
  
• Avoid sunburn.
  A sunburn will fade, but damage to deeper layers of skin remains and can eventually cause cancer. Be aware of the length of time you are in the sun. It may take only 15 minutes of midday summer sun to burn a fair-skinned person.
  
• Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
  Block sun damage by applying a broad-spectrum UVA & UVB sunscreen with a SPF 15 or higher and reapply every two hours even on cloudy days and more often for swimming or participating in intense physical activity.
  
• Keep infants out of the sun
  Infants under six months of age should be kept out of direct sun and covered by protective clothing. Keep infants under your shade cover. Shadeports shade structures filter 97% of the dangerous UV rays.
  
• Cover up or stay in the shade.
  Wear a hat and light colored clothing when outdoors. Don't play or work outdoors without a shirt. Put on a shirt and hat after swimming or wear a T-shirt while swimming. As much as possible, play or work in the shade. Shadeports provide a safe environment, by filtering 97% of the UV rays.
  
• Use sunglasses that block 100% of UV Radiation.
  Sunglasses that block ultraviolet rays protect the eyes and eyelids.
  

The good news is that UV-related health effects are largely preventable by instituting outdoor sun-protection practices early and consistently.
Parents, schools, day care centers and teachers have a responsibility in protecting children by providing shade and teaching outdoor sun protection.

Useful links:
American Cancer Society
American Sun Protection Association
National Weather Service: UV Index
United States Environmental Protection Agency - Ozone depletion
American Academy of Dermatology
More sites on outdoor sun protection