SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., - One of the best ways to stay healthy during the summer months is to protect your skin from sun damage.

John Blomstedt, DO, of Regional West Physicians Clinic-Skin Clinic and Medical Aesthetic Center, treats patients for skin damage and skin cancer due to excessive sun exposure. He advises people of all ages to apply sunscreen before they head outside for the day, even when it is cloudy outside.

“To protect your skin, apply at least a SPF 30 or higher broad spectrum sunscreen. The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against harmful UV rays. Reapply sunscreen to all exposed areas at least every two hours or more often if you are swimming or exercising. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to neck, ears, lips, and scalp also,” said Dr. Blomstedt.

He also discourages using tanning beds, which have the potential to damage skin. "The use of tanning beds significantly increases the risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer,” he said.

Dr. Blomstedt adds that anyone, no matter their skin tone, can get skin cancer.

“If you notice a spot, lump, or mole that is growing, changing, or bleeding or a dry scaly rough patch of skin, it should be examined to rule out the possibility of skin cancer,” said Dr. Blomstedt.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 182-bed regional referral center and one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the state. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. With nearly 300 providers, and over 2,000 employees, Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.