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Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation appears to be the most important environmental factor in the development of skin cancer and other UV related adverse health effects. Besides the immediate effect of sunburn, excessive ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer, eye damage, immune system suppression and premature aging, according to the National Safety Council.

Skin type is the most important factor in determining a person's risk for skin cancer. Skin types range from those individuals who burn easily and never suntan to those who do not burn at all.

Some individual characteristics that are risk factors for skin cancer include fair skin; blue, green or hazel eyes; light-colored hair; tendency to burn rather than suntan; history of severe burns; many moles; freckles or a family history of skin cancer.

Even people with dark complexions can get sunburned. No one is exempt from the possibility of getting skin cancer or other serious health problems from the sun's UV rays.

The American Academy of Dermatology offers these suggestions to protect yourself from sun damage:

• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors, even on cloudy days.
• Wear protective, tightly woven clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt and pants.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when outdoors.
• Stay in the shade whenever possible.
• Avoid reflective surfaces, which can reflect up to 85 percent of the sun's damaging rays.
• Protect children. Minimize sun exposure and apply sunscreen to children 6 months and older.
• No shadow... seek the shade! If your shadow is shorter than you are, you're likely to sunburn.
• Avoid tanning beds.
• Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are the strongest.