With the county fair this week and summer vacation plans in full force, we can assume people will be out in the sun more and more.

That is, if it ever stops raining. As you venture outside, remember to protect yourself from the sun and heat, no matter your age.

Sometimes sun protection may seem unnecessary, or it may cause a fight with your children, but it is essential.

Anyone who spends a considerable amount of time out in the sun with unprotected, exposed skin runs the risk of developing skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, which most often develops after you expose your skin to the sun.

Skin cancer can develop on areas like your scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms, hands and legs.

Sometimes skin cancer forms on other places that rarely see the sun, such as the palms of your hands or soles of your feet.

Skin cancer affects all people, no matter what skin tone.

My children play soccer and love to swim during the summer, both activities that involved direct sun exposure.

I insist they put on sunscreen and wear swim shirts, and I made sure to explain the risks of not wearing sunscreen.

At first, they would complain and roll their eyes, but I held firm to my rules, and now it is part of the routine, to the point they remind me to put on their sunscreen.

Sometimes, we, as parents, remember to put sunscreen on our children but forget about protecting themselves.

Older adults may choose not to wear sunscreen thinking, “the damage has already been done.”

But this is not true; we still need protection.

The risk of getting skin cancer increases with age.

The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates “between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to 65 will have at least one skin cancer.”

The risk also varies among genders.

According to the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, men’s risk of having basal cell cancers is double that of women.

Men are about three times more likely to have squamous cell skin cancer compared to women.

Here are some ways to protect yourself from the sun:

— Avoid midday sun between 1 and 3 p.m.

— Wear wide-brimmed hats to shade your face, head, ears and neck

— Use sunglasses

— Cover your skin with long sleeves and pants

— Use sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher

— Be aware of all moles and spots on your skin, and let your health care provider know about any changes

— Have your skin examined during health checkups.

For more information or to schedule a presentation on sun safety, contact the Clark County Extension Office.

Shonda Johnston is the Clark County Extension agent for family and consumer sciences. She can be reached at 859-744-4682 or by email at shonda.johnston@uky.edu.