As you soak up those rays, probably the last thing you want is someone raining on your parade, but something's shaking in California! Researchers at the University there warn that though sunscreens do protect against sunburn, there is no scientific proof that they protect against melanoma or basal cell carcinoma in humans.
Consumers in L.A are asking for class action status in a lawsuit against manufacturers of leading sunscreen brands citing defective product labeling regarding UVa protection, water proofing and duration of applications. They believe parents are unwittingly exposing their children to danger because of misleading claims.
In fact, they believe the false sense of security people get from using chemical sunscreens is the primary cause of the skin cancer epidemic. People using sunscreen might not get as sunburned because sunscreens are formulated to absorb UVb radiation, however they let most of the longer UVa rays through. These penetrate deeper into the skin and are absorbed by the melanocytes, which are involved both in melanin production (sun tanning) and in melanoma (cancer) formation.
On the other hand, some exposure to sunlight is helpful as it triggers vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D maintains blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, helping to form and maintain strong bones, so (as with most things) the answer lies in moderation.
Tanning tips.
Avoid exposure during the hottest part of the day from 11am - 3pm.
Wear a hat to protect the delicate skin on your scalp.
Buy sun-proof swimming gear for kids with long sleeves and legs.
Cover up immediately, if you feel even the slightest discomfort.

PRACTICAL HOMEOPATHY A useful guide for you to cut out and keep.

In Homeopathy there are only two golden rules for successful prescribing

1. Match the symptoms carefully to the best homeopathic medicine you can find.
2. Take one pill. If you feel better there is no need to repeat unless the same symptoms return.

Sunburn
Most homeopathic pharmacies produce very effective burns creams or ointments. Usually the main ingredient is Urtica urens (nettles). Keep a tube in your beach bag. The following internal homeopathic medicines are also extremely effective…

Urtica urens 6 or 30c: Excellent for relief of moderate sunburn.

Cantharis 6 or 30c: For sunburn with blistering. Great for other burns too.

Sunstroke
Is a potentially dangerous condition where the body's cooling mechanisms become overwhelmed then fail. Seek medical assistance immediately.
Move sufferer to a cool area. Increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan. Encourage them to drink water, but do not give aspirin or paracetamol, try one of the homeopathic medicines listed below. Gently massage the skin to encourage circulation. If convulsions start, move nearby objects to prevent injury. If the patient is unconscious and vomiting, move them into the recovery position (on their side with airways clear).

Belladonna 6c or 30c: More extreme sun burn with throbbing headache and photosensitivity. Also useful in cases of sunstroke.

Glonoine 6c or 30c: Sunstroke with mental confusion, violent bursting headache, palpitations, nausea and vomiting.

Cuprum Metallicum 6c or 30c: Sunstroke with cramps.

Arsenicum 6c or 30c:Sunstroke with nausea, vomiting and restlessness.

© Mary Aspinwall, ISHom (Registered with the Irish Society of Homeopaths), PCH (Graduate of the Dynamis School)

Mary Aspinwall has been working as a Classical Homeopath for fifteen years and during that time has helped thousands of people to return to health rapidly, gently and permanently. After working in London, Ireland and Spain Mary relocated to California in 2008.

She has lectured internationally at homeopathic colleges and is a frequent contributor to homeopathic journals around the world, including Homeopathy Today in the US, and Homeopathy Radio.

Mary's passion is educating the public to prescribe successfully for first aid emergencies and acute illnesses and she has taught many thousands how to do both in person and through her free on-line course. She is the author of "A Basic Guide to Homeopathy" and editor of Stephen Gascoigne's excellent reference work "The Clinical Medicine Guide