The summer weather brings many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. You can make your outdoor activities safer and more enjoyable by practicing sun safety.

Protecting your skin and eyes from the sun is easy to do and the benefits will last a lifetime.

While many people worry about skin cancer caused by too much sun, most people don't realize that overexposure to the sun can also lead to cataracts and macular degeneration. There are ways to protect yourself from these dangers while still enjoying our sunny days here on Long Island.

Limiting your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is strongest, will help minimize your chances of suffering the ill effects of overexposure to the sun. Wearing a hat and clothing that covers more skin, such as a long-sleeved shirt and pants, will help protect your skin. For skin that remains uncovered, sunscreen is especially important. A sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 is best, and it is recommended that sunscreen be reapplied every two hours and after swimming, toweling or perspiring. Consistent use of sunscreen in childhood could help prevent 80 percent of all skin cancers. Sun protective eyewear is the best defense for your eyes. This eyewear includes sunglasses, ski goggles and contact lenses that block UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses can actually reduce the amount of UV rays to the eye by 80 percent. Staying in any shade that is available is always a good option for both your skin and your eyes.

If you see any of signs of skin damage it is important to have it checked by a physician. The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a new growth on the skin or a sore that does not heal. The first sign of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, may be a change in the size, shape or color of a previously existing mole. It may also appear as a new mole that is dark and irregular in appearance. Skin cancers rarely cause pain, therefore it is a good practice to inspect your skin regularly and be aware of visible signs on the skin.

I hope that you and your family enjoy the great outdoors in a safe and healthy manner this summer.