As Florida residents, having fun in the sun is great; however, it is also important to remember the sun can be very harmful if we are not careful.  The sun emits Ultraviolet (UV) waves, which can be very dangerous to our bodies if proper precautions are not taken.  According to the AIM at Melanoma Foundation, Florida ranks second in the United States for the highest rate of new melanoma cases.  Here are some tips for your protection:  

• Wear proper clothing: If you plan on being outside most of the day, cover your body as much as possible. 
• Slather on the SPF: The FDA regulates for sunscreen to have a minimum SPF of 30 to protect against UV-A and UV-B rays. It is also recommended to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you leave the house, and reapply every 2-3 hours.  
• Protect your eyes: Wear hats and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun, as many are not aware UV rays may cause eye damage. 
• Seek Shade: The sun is at its strongest between the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM. It is recommended to stay out of the sun during those hours.