With beautiful beaches, plenty of parks and water-based activities, there is plenty to do for Gloucester and Mathews residents and tourists alike to have some fun in the sun this summer. However, too much sun exposure can lead to an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

According to Riverside Radiation Oncology Spe- cialist Ilene Forrest Stephan, MD, there are ways to help protect skin during the long summer months.

Applying broad spectrum sunscreen properly is important to protect the skin from ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) radiation, according to Stephan. Sunscreen acts as a protective layer for the skin against the sun’s harmful rays and either screens against or absorbs the impact of the rays.

Using enough sunscreen can also be an issue. Stephan said that people should use the equivalent of a one ounce shot glass to measure out their sunscreen since most people tend not to use enough before going out in the sun.

Wearing SPF clothing like long-sleeve fishing shirts and ...