(HealthDay News) -- The sun's rays may boost your mood, but they also contain harmful ultraviolet rays that can damage your skin and lead to skin cancer.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help reduce your risk:

• Stay out of the sun, particularly when it's strongest, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Wear sunscreen.
• Cover your skin with long shirts and pants, and wear wide hats.
• At least once a month, inspect your skin for early warning signs of skin cancer, such as suspicious-looking moles. If you see something that's you're not sure about, talk with your doctor.
• Avoid tanning beds or sunlamps.

• More News on Skin Cancer
• More News on Sun Exposure

Related MedlinePlus Pages:

• Skin Cancer
• Sun Exposure