A little sunshine is a good thing, but kids can easily catch too many rays, resulting in overexposure. Parents need to be aware of the dangers of overexposure to the sun and take the proper precautions to ensure that children will be protected outdoors during the warm-weather months.

Remember that just one bad blistering sunburn during childhood can more than double the risk of skin cancer later in life!

Here are some preventative suggestions from experts :

Try to have your children avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when ultraviolet (UV) rays are most intense.

If this is not possible, make sure you have them wear a hat with a brim wide enough to shade the face, ears and neck and clothes that cover as much as possible of the arms, legs and torso.

If a hat is not practical in a sports situation, insist on a cap to cover the scalp and as much of the face and neck as possible.

Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Reapply Frequently.

Experts warn that children age 6 months or younger should not wear sunscreen, but should be protected with clothing and kept in the shade.

We held our annual Poster Contest, which was originally introduced as part of our Middle School Skin Cancer Awareness Program, at schools in Ridgewood, Hohokus, Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff and Glen Rock. The contest was a huge success with close to 100 voluntary participants. Winners at each school received an Apple Nano and consolation prizes, including gift certificates and key chains, were awarded.

2013 Contest Winners : : :

Caitlin Wagner, a senior at Ramapo College in Ramsey, NJ, won Media Collision's 2014 Best Campaign Award for her 'SKIN IS IN' project.