For many of us, Derby Day will be the first day this year that we’ve spent a substantial amount of time outside. It is also this time of the year that the sun’s rays are nearing maximum strength in this part of the world. If precautions are not taken, these rays can cause serious damage to your body’s largest organ, your skin.

A sunburn is literally a burn on your skin caused by over exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The short term consequences of a sunburn are painful inflammation, redness and sometimes blistering of the skin. However, the long term consequences are far greater and include premature aging, wrinkling and skin cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, one in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime and more than one million new cases will be diagnosed this year. These figures include diagnosis of the most curable types of skin cancer as well as the most deadly, melanoma. Melanoma killed nearly 8,000 Americans in 2006. Melanoma is increasing faster than any other cancer among Western countries, with more than 50,000 new cases within the United States each year.

Although a little exposure to the sun is healthy, a burn is not. And it only takes one serious burn to increase your risk for skin cancer by 50%. Remember, a tan will fade in days but prevention can go a long ways…

*Minimize your exposure to the sun during peak heating between the hours of 10:00AM and 3:00PM.

*Wear loose fitting and light colored clothing that covers your body and shades your face.

*Apply sunscreen with at least a SPF-15 or higher, to all areas of the body which are exposed to the sun.

*Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days. Reapply after swimming or perspiring.

Whether you’re at The Downs this Saturday sipping on a Mint Julep or just relaxing in your own backyard with an ice cold beer, don’t forget to protect your skin. A little prevention will keep you partying on Derby Day for years to come.