In the Northern hemisphere it's summer and it's not really hot, it's flippin hot! We've seen temperatures of 35 degrees C, about 100 degrees Fahrenheit to my US readers. This often brings to mind the question about a healthy tan? Surveys have found that people look healthier, younger and more successful when they have a nice 'Caribbean' suntan. Younger and more successful are biased and based on opinions, but the healthier aspect is clinically verifiable. For example, for those who suffer from arthritis, the warmth of the sun's rays help relieve a bit of the physical pain.

But then why the fuss about having to cover up your skin with protective creams and oils when you go into the sun? This is a relevant question when it comes to visiting any of the islands in the Caribbean during any time of the year. Trust me, even more so when it's summertime! Sunburn damage is caused by the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

You see, the earth comes wrapped with a sheath of magnetic layers and also an ozone layer, both of which play a vital role in filtering harmful rays, such as ultra violet rays, but especially so the ozone layer, but which has become quite damaged by some actions of mankind (apparently too many air conditioning units and aerosols have let off chemicals in the atmosphere), now letting more violent UV rays through.

....and yet, you still get people who ask "Why should I rub myself with that crap?"... peering at you through eye sockets set in a red, lobster like face, trying to sound intelligent. I do try to keep my cool and not burst out laughing. I mean, I would've loved to have slapped that burnt mug with a Novak Djokovic force back hand, just for the example he's setting for his children, but I suggest you rather just turn around and walk away.... my Mom will be proud to know, that since she 'brought me up' not to be nasty, so I walk away and snigger or burst out laughing where he wouldn't see me..... oh, and pray that he recovers without permanent scars! Sunburn can have serious effects and many a sun bather finds out the hard way that it could cost them their lives once certain skin cancers, also referred to melanoma's set in, grab hold and start to grow. I will save you the trouble of finding all the stuff I researched to keep this article truthful, unless you insist to search Google for "fatal skin cancer". According to the website http://skincancer.org, a Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. These cancerous growths develop when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations (genetic defects) that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. Oh yes, you'll also find some really charming images of what it does to you...

What are the solutions? Just stop being a dumb ass and rub sun tan cream onto you and your children's faces and bodies; stay out in the sun only during early morning and late afternoon, while under at least an umbrella or wearing a tee shirt if you absolutely have to be on the beach between 10am and 3.30pm. Don't be fooled when the weather is a bit overcast, as the UV rays are not aware of a few clouds and will still burn the living daylights out of you.

What about those with a darker complexion, like my African brothers and sisters? Generally speaking, the same rules apply and more African American  people have been diagnosed with skin cancers of late than ever before.

Read more about this and see exclusive R Rated (in my book that is for Really Rough) pics at http://apsense.cc/705fe8 - have a look and please also like and share with your friends. You'll never know who may need to hear about this.