Memorial Day has passed, marking the official start of the summer season, a season that is above all about warm sunshine.
The sun is an astonishing presence in our lives. It is a primary, primal, life-giving force on this planet. Humans, like many species, are drawn to bask in its warmth. We miss it in winter, falling prey to sadness—officially seasonal affective disorder—in the months when Apollo’s chariot arcs low in the sky.
And summer is a time to be outdoors. Whether your vacation preference is for the mountains or the seaside, whether your leisure choice is gardening or baseball, whether you’re at the amusement park or the mall parking lot, the sun shines on us all.
But that glorious sunshine puts us at risk for deadly melanoma and other skin cancers. Recent news found skin cancer more prevalent among the well-off. Those who vacation in St. Bart’s and spend weekends playing tennis get an extra dose of ultraviolet rays.
So wear sunscreen. Every day. And don’t skimp: The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a full shot-glass’ worth of sun screen for each application.
