For generations, Americans have been fascinated with the culture of the suntan. That bronzed look has come to represent a healthy lifestyle that shows us off as creatures of the great outdoors.

But experts worry about our exposure to so much sun, pointing out that 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States – more than the combined total of cancers of the lung, breast, prostate, colon, uterus, ovaries and pancreas.  Before your next trip to the beach below are some tips to protect your skin.

Tips for Sunscreen Use

• Make sure your sunscreen has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 – the higher the number, the more protection you get.
   
• Rub it in about a half-hour before you are exposed to the sun, so your skin has a chance to absorb it.
   
• Waterproof sunscreen provides longer protection in the water than those that are labeled “water resistant.”
   
• Most people don’t use enough sunscreen. One method is to cover your pointer and middle fingers with the lotion for each of several key body parts: head neck and face; arms; upper and lower back; upper and lower torso; upper legs; and lower legs and feet.

SCHEDULE A SCREENING