The summer months are upon us which means lots of ball games, boating and fishing trips, beach vacations, and outdoor fun. That back yard swimming pool soon becomes the refuge from the heat.

Now is a great time to educate your child on the importance of lathering up with sun screen. This could keep them from getting the number one cancer in the world, skin cancer. Skin cancer is not just a cancer for the older generation. Skin cancer statistics show a rise in younger adults, teens, and children. Steps for early precautions could mean prevention.

Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB) every day, even during the winter months. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. You should start applying sun screen to your children as early as 6 months old. If your child is younger than 6 months, keep them in the shade and out of the sun. When taking them for walks in their stroller, be sure to attach an umbrella or carry one in your hand and protect you both if you can manage the stroller with one hand.

This should become an every day routine for your child when going outside to play or when enjoying any outdoor activity. Sunscreen is not just for trips to the beach. It is now a part of every day living. And remember midday sun between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM is when the sun's rays are at their strongest.

The American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 10,710 deaths from skin cancer in 2006 – 7,910 from melanoma and 2,800 from other skin cancers.