To avoid skin cancer and sun-induced skin damage, the American Cancer Society recommends: Slip! Slop! Slap! Wrap!

? Slip on a shirt

? Slop on sunscreen

? Slap on a wide brimmed hat

? Wrap on sunglasses that block UV rays

Also, seek the shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the most ultraviolet radiation reaches the Earth.

Your sunscreen should be SPF (sun protection factor) 15 or higher. Check the expiration date, because sunscreen loses its effectiveness. If it’s more than three years old, throw it out.

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using sunscreen if you’ll be outside for 20 minutes or more. Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before going outside for maximum protection. Waterproof types last the longest, but all sunscreens need to be reapplied frequently.

Teach kids good habits about protecting themselves from the sun. They might not like it now, but they’ll thank you when they’re 40.