by Cherrine Banks

Created on: September 06, 2008

When we think of sun care we tend to think of the summer. However, it is important to consider sun care during the fall and winter. Until recent years, I had never considered the damage of sun exposure during colder months. I have reviewed different booklets, books, ezines, and websites and I wanted to create a clear, easy to understand way to minimize your sun exposure. Here is a quick a A to Z Sun Care Guide:

A for Assemetry/boarder/color/diameter-checked by your doctor when he/she views your moles.
B for Body examinations should be done by you at least yearly.
C for Children should be covered like adults.
D for Designed clothing treated for sun exposure.
E for Educate your family about the importance of sun exposure and practice as a role model.
F for Face which tends to get more exposure.
G for Gear should be used to cover your body including your arms and legs.
H for Hats should be wide-brimmed, tightly woven and cover your ears, face, head, and neck.
I for Individuals can make difference in minimizing skin cancer rates.
J for Join a support group if you are diagnosed with skin cancer.
K for Keep in the shade at the beach, a street fair, or the park.
L for Limit/avoid tanning beds.
M for Moles should be checked by your doctor.
N for Never allow anyone to minimize your concern about a mole-early treatment is key.
O for Opinions vary about sun care so speak with your doctor.
P for Prepare for long exposure by carrying a trial size when out all day.
Q for Quality in choosing sunscreen by researching-ask you doctor which one he/she uses.
R for Rays are called UVA and UVB.
S for Sunblock should be considered part of a daily health routine.
T for Time between 10am to 4pm considered most dangerous for exposure.
U for Umbrella should be used (for example, if you have sensitive skin).
V for Vitamin D is obtained by sun exposure but still limit time in the sun.
W for Warranty/expiration dates should be monitored-few people realize there is one.
X for Xtra tip-check with your doctor to see age minimum for sunscreen for children.
Y for Youthful skin can be maintained with proper skin care-sun can interfere.
Z for Zinc oxide or Titanium dioxide are key ingredients used in sunblock/sunscreen.

The Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) tends to provide regular tips for sun care so it may be considered a trusted source for sun tips. Hope this list helps.

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