Summer has arrived - finally.

Now that the seemingly-endless days of snow-shoveling and cold weather have faded, it’s only natural that many of us will be enjoying lots of time outdoors during the next few months. But beware! Warm summer days and outdoor activities expose us to the sun’s rays, also called ultraviolet or UV rays. When UV rays damage unprotected skin-by causing a sunburn or tan — it may lead to wrinkles, skin spots, or skin cancer.

Recent estimates report that 40 to 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once.

Research has shown that many skin cancers can be prevented by following a few simple sun protection guidelines.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends following these sun protection practices:

1. Avoid deliberate tanning. Although the rays may feel good, the result is premature aging (wrinkles, blotchiness, and sagging skin) as well as a 1 in 5 chance of developing skin cancer.

2. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin every day. Use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

3. Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses where possible.

4. Seek shade when appropriate. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

5. Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which increases the risk of sunburn

6. Check your skin often. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is treatable when caught early.

Enjoy your time outdoors this summer, but heed these few simple precautions to protect yourself from damaging sun rays!

- Lynda Metz is the director of community development at Bonner General Hospital. The information in this article was provided courtesy of the American Academy of Dermatology.