It sure seemed slow in coming, but now that the sunshine and warmth of the season has arrived, we’re all ready for more time outside.

Like everything in life, moderation is key. Avoiding the risks of the great outdoors takes a little forethought. Consider these important facts before you go out:

• Sunburn can happen in just 15 to 30 minutes. A severe sunburn or repeated sunburns increases your risk for skin cancer.

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer with about 5.4 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancers each year.

• Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer, with approximately 197,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths per year.

• States in the Midwest are among those that have the highest rates of new skin cancer each year.

So this summer, let’s be smart in the sun, whether we’re at the lake, the river, the fields or in the garden.

How to Keep Yourself Safe from Skin Cancer

Protect yourself when you’re gearing up for a big day of work, swimming or fishing – anything out in the sun. You can do so with some basic steps:

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat, even if you prefer a cap. Wide-brimmed hats provide more protection in a full circle around your head. Skin cancer of the face, ears and neck are among the most common forms.

• Use sunglasses to protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes.

• Cover as much skin as possible with sun-protective clothing.

• Apply sunscreen – and reapply often. Use products that offer at least a sun protective factor (SPF) of 30. The higher, the better, especially for young kids and older adults. You want a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection and water resistance as well.

• Seek the shade. If you have the opportunity to stay under a tree, canopy or umbrella, seek solace in the shade.

• Don’t purposefully lie in the sun or a tanning bed to get a tan.

Sun Safety Is an Everyday Idea

Sun safety is not smart just for an afternoon on the boat or a long bike ride. It’s something we all should consider every day, whether the forecast is for clear or cloudy skies.

Since many people work outdoors all day, every day, from farmers and ranchers to construction and road crews, protection is not an option, it’s a must.

Avera health care providers, especially dermatologists, see men and women who have developed malignancies due to sun damage every day. It’s not something to just shrug off.

Keep a close eye on your skin. If you notice an unusual sore, lump, blemish, marking or change in the way your skin looks or feels, ask your primary care provider. The area might become itchy or scaly, or it might bleed. Also watch for any changes in an existing mole, or a new pigmented or unusual looking growth. As with all forms of cancer, early detection is critical. The most dangerous form of skin cancer, melanoma, can spread to other parts of the body.

Time outdoors in the sun is among the many blessings of life. Yet we need to enjoy this gift with safety in mind.

— Debbie Streier is regional president/CEO, Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center