Summer is filled with tons of fun with vacations, barbeques, gatherings and outdoor play. We know most of you will have jam-packed weekends full of activities, and we hope they are all filled with nothing but excitement and togetherness. However, we want to remind you about some of the dangers that come with all the festivities. The two we feel are most important are skin cancer and firework safety. They come hand-in-hand with most of our summer plans, and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to ensure your summer includes no extra trips to the doctor’s office.

With summer fast approaching, our time spent outside is going to increase dramatically. All those days at the beach or pool, playing at the park or just doing yard work will expose us to many extra hours in the sun. While having a “healthy tan” sounds appealing to many people, it is actually one of the unhealthiest things we can do to our skin. June is Cancer In The Sun Month, so we thought this would be a great time to remind everyone how important it is to protect our skin.

As adults, we know sun can cause damage to our skin in many ways. From the pain and peeling of bad sunburns to wrinkles and dry skin. However, we often forget about the real damage we are exposing ourselves to—skin cancer. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, you should wear a sunscreen with a minimum of 15 SPF every day. If you are planning a day outside, you should go even higher and apply more often. You should also avoid extended sun exposure during the peak hours of 10 AM to 4 PM, because that is when the UV rays are at their highest. If you must be out during those times, make sure you take every measure to protect yourself and your family. Wear hats, light-colored clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. Make sure you have covered every exposed inch of your body to protect it from the harmful rays. And if you choose to swim during this time, make sure you reapply your sunscreen often to ensure it continues to work.

Children are especially vulnerable to the sun, and we, as parents, really need to make sure we do everything we can to protect their sensitive skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation Children's Page has many great tips to help you make sure your kids are protected from the sun year round. It is easy to forget the sunscreen when the kids are blasting out the door, but it is imperative you take the extra time to apply it. Make it part of your routine, so your children will continue the habit throughout their lives as well.

Throughout your life, you should periodically be seen by a dermatologist, so they can evaluate your skin for any sign of damage or cancer. Early detection is your best bet to treating and fighting melanoma. On the Cancer.com site, they have a Skin Cancer Action Guide which will help you learn how to spot and watch for any types of skin cancer you might have. And another great resource is the SkinCheck.com - Melanoma Education Foundation. By taking the time to learn and understand the signs and risks, you are giving yourself an extra edge in the fight against skin cancer.

With July 4th around the corner, the fireworks will be coming out more often at picnics, family gatherings and barbeques. They are fun and exciting to have at your party, but it is important to ensure everyone remains safe as they are used. June is Fireworks Eye Safety Month, and we thought it was a good idea to talk about a few of the dos and don’ts with fireworks. Do not allow children to play with any type of explosive. Fireworks should only be handled by adults, and the adults should be prepared for every possible scenario. Despite their harmless look, a serious burn or injury can happen in only a second. Be prepared with medical supplies, and keep a safe distance from each firework after it is lit. Holding them in your hand may seem fun, but being rushed to the ER after it has burned the skin from your palm or exploded in your face is not.

If fireworks are illegal in your area, there is probably a good reason why. As tempting as it may be to go to another state and bring fireworks home, please do not. Go to an organized display and enjoy the fun with the crowds. They are usually far more exciting than you could ever put on yourself. If you do put on your own show, make sure the person igniting the flames is wearing appropriate clothing and is at a safe distance from the viewing audience. Keep children far away from the launch area, and make sure all your pets are kept back as well. We do not need Fido’s fur going up in flames, too.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety has some great tips for how to have a fun, and safe, time with your fireworks. And another great site to check out is Prevent Blindness America - Fireworks Safety. They will tell you how to treat any injuries to your eye you might receive.

We want you to have a fun and safe summer, so slather on that sunscreen and go enjoy your local firework show! Summer is about fun, and we want you to enjoy every minute of it.

~Julie is a freelance writer, wife and Mother. She lives in Southern California with her husband and two pasty, white sons. As a redhead herself, she knows the pain of sunburns, and has learned the hard way the importance of suncreen. She also enjoys letting her local town do all the work (and spend all the money) when it comes to fireworks.