Ah, summer – the days are longer and warmer, which means you have more time to get outside and do the activities you enjoy. Spending time outdoors is part of an active, healthy life. However, as anyone who has ever had a sunburn knows, too much exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays is dangerous.

More than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States. That's more than cancers of the prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterus, ovaries, and pancreas combined. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to protect yourself. Follow these practical steps -- they provide the best protection when used together.

Limit direct sun exposure during midday.
UV rays are most intense during the middle of the day, usually between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Plan your outdoor activities outside that timeframe, if possible.