With the summer upon us it is important that people are informed about problems caused by excessive exposure to the sun. Nassau County Legislator Edward P. Mangano (R-Bethpage) urges all residents to follow simple guidelines to reduce the possibility of skin disease.

"Nassau County, with its beaches and parks is a wonderful place to enjoy the summer months, however one must be cognizant of the sun's rays because what is a great looking tan today may lead to serious health problems later in life," said Mangano.

Skin cancer is a direct result of prolonged exposure to the sun's dangerous rays. This year alone more than 1 million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and it is the most common type of cancer among people between the ages of 25 and 29. Here are a few simple steps that you can do to protect yourself against skin disease while enjoying the wonderful weather and all that Nassau County has to offer this summer.

* Use sunscreen. Apply it multiple times throughout the day. Sunscreen will wear off after time spent in the water so remember to frequently re-apply. Effective sunscreen should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15.

* The sun is at its strongest during the midday. If possible stay indoors during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. or have an umbrella with you to block the sun.

* Cover up exposed skin whenever possible. Clothing is not a substitute for sunscreen. A hat will also protect the scalp which is very susceptible to sun burns.

* Use sunglasses whenever outdoors. The sun's rays are not only damaging to the skin but to the eyes. Look for shades that wrap around the face and block both UVA and UVB rays.

* Parents, look out for children, if they start showing signs of burning it is best to go indoors. Repeated sun burns as a child greatly increases the possibility of skin disease once they get older.

These simple ideas can greatly reduce your risk of skin disease but will not stop you from enjoying the summer months. "Take advantage of all that Nassau County has to offer this summer, but do it in a safe manner so you can continue to enjoy it for years to come," added Legislator Mangano. For more information on how to protect you and your family this summer, check out the Center for Disease Control's website at www.cdc.gov or the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.