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Is there an easy solution to the sunscreen dilemma? Not necessarily. Applying sunscreen will prevent vitamin D production and result in more skin damage, since it enables you to increase your sun exposure without burning. On the other hand, staying out in the sun for hours without sunscreen certainly won't help you avoid skin cancer, either. Perhaps the morale to this story is that sun exposure for as little as 10 minutes a day will stimulate ample vitamin D production, but is not likely (unless perhaps you are extremely fair skinned) to cause any sunburn or skin damage - and that's the best way to reduce your risk while still enjoying the health benefits of vitamin D. Talk to your doctor for more information.

The Warning Signs of Skin Cancer

The ABCD rules are key when it comes to identifying skin cancer early:

Asymmetry: One side different than the other.

Border: Irregular or poorly defined border.

Color: Inconsistent (various shades) or extremely dark.

Diameter: The size of a pencil eraser (5-6 mm).

Now that you know the ABCDs of skin cancer, here's the E to keep in mind: Evolving. Check your moles regularly. If you notice any changes in symmetry, border, color, diameter, make an appointment with your doctor right away. A great way to monitor changes is to take pictures of your moles and store them on your computer. That way, it's easy to compare the way a mole used to look with the way it does now, and you can enlarge the image easily to analyze specific aspects of the mole that may be changing.

Jacob Schor, ND, is a naturopathic physician practicing in Denver. He is a member of the board of directors of the Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians. To learn more about Dr. Schor, visit www.denvernaturopathic.com/index.html.