As the weather warms and Memorial Day weekend rings in the openings of many local parks and pools, there's no debating that the promise of summertime is in the air in West Virginia. And how fortunate we are to have such a wonderful backdrop in which to get active. Whether taking a family trip to one of West Virginia's many state parks, enjoying a day on the river, a hike in the mountains or just a glass of lemonade on the back porch, West Virginians know there's no limit to summer pleasures in the Mountain State.

But it's important to remember, when enjoying time outdoors, to be safe in the sun. May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, reminding us that as harmless as the mountain rays might seem, unsafe sun exposure poses serious risks of skin cancer. And it's the most common form of cancer in the United States; indeed, it affects more than 1 million people a year. Chances are, you or someone you know has had a scare. And you are not alone.

Following a recent routine doctor's visit, my wife Melinda, who like so many has always had a love for the great outdoors, was alerted to a potential problem. Naturally, this came as quite a scare to both of us. And while we are optimistic as the doctors continue to watch the suspicious skin area, we are also wide awake to the importance of protecting ourselves from the sun's harmful UV rays. And we have also committed ourselves to adding an annual skin cancer screening by a certified dermatologist to our healthcare routine.

My wife and I hope you will take a moment to review the following guidelines and take time to follow them in the months ahead:

* Limit time in the midday sun (between 10am and 4pm) when the sun is strongest.
* Wear a hat and clothing that protect against UV rays.
* Wear sunglasses that block UV rays, ideally those that provide 99-100 percent of UVA and UVB protection.
* Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher a half hour before going outdoors and reapply every two hours and after you swim.
* Don't forget to remind or help your children to apply sunscreen, a lot of the sun's damage to our skin occurs in our early years and doesn't present itself as a problem until we're much older.
* Watch for UV index alerts for especially dangerous days.
* Get screened by your health professional, especially as you grow older or suspect a problem.

To help detect a problem, examine your skin and your loved ones' skin monthly. Look for:

* brown or black irregularly pigmented spots with uneven margins;
* a slow-growing, raised, translucent, pearly nodule that may crust, ulcerate or bleed;
* a change in sensation, itchiness tenderness or pain from a mole; a small smooth, shiny, pale, or waxy lump on the skin, and
* any new mole

Melinda and I wish all of you a safe and enjoyable summer. Take advantage of all the wonderful places and outdoor activities that West Virginia has to offer. But be sure to protect yourself and your children while outdoors, at work or at play.

U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) represents West Virginia's 3rd District