Ahhhh, summertime, and the livin’ is easy! Time to go down to the beach and catch some rays or work outside in the garden. However, if you are exposed to frequent and intense UV radiation, you are exposed to one of the major risk factors for melanoma. Ultra Violet radiation from the sun can penetrate the upper layers of the skin and causes sunburn, and can cause changes in your DNA and can stimulate unchecked cell growth such as skin cancers and tumors. Kira and Bill Van Ittersum discuss the dangers of unprotected exposure to UV radiation and introduce you to the EPA’s “SunWise” website where you can view the UV Index, a multi-colored map of the U.S. that shows the UV intensity by region and by day for solar noon.. Links: EPA – SunWise data by NOAA http://www2.epa.gov/sunwise/uv-index Ultraviolet Radiation and the UV Index Understanding Melanoma: Melanoma Risk Factors » Tanning and Burning AIM at Melanoma Foundation http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/melanoma-risk-factors/tanning-and-burning/ultraviolet-radiation-and-the-uv-index/?gclid=CjwKEAjwh6SsBRCYrKHF7J3NjicSJACUxAh78S8xfRy96mHPUoS4XmyYQxtOS7O7NMb1w8oUDAOwWRoCB13w_wcB