If I had to pick a symbol for this August, it would be the sun.

Summer heat, combined with the upcoming solar eclipse on Aug. 21, make this month truly unique — and truly dangerous.

Sunburn, suntan, premature skin aging and skin cancer — the damage adds up over time and can have life-threatening consequences.

Our eyes are also at risk. Over time, ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause cataracts, growths on the eye and even cancer. Gazing right at the sun at any time, but especially during a solar eclipse, can permanently injure our retinas.

Is the solution to stay indoors and never look out the window? Of course not.

For everyday eye protection, invest in a simple pair of UV-blocking sunglasses, preferably with wrap-around edges. Wear wide-brimmed hats as well.

To safeguard your skin, wear tightly-woven clothing to cover up as much skin as possible.

Apply a thick layer of SPF 15 or higher sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection to any uncovered areas. Remember the ears, nose, lips, neck and tops of the feet. Reapply often.

If a certain brand of sunscreen irritates your skin, try another or consult with your doctor.

For safe eclipse viewing, use a specially designed solar filter that meets the ISO 12312-2 standard. Regular sunglasses or homemade filters will not protect your eyes.

Let’s evaluate a few common beliefs about sun safety:

True or False: A suntan is healthy, as long as you don’t get a sunburn.

False. Dermatologists will tell you that any tan is a sign of damage. As much as our culture idolizes bronze skin, we should weigh our desire to look good against the accumulated risk of skin cancer. Tanning beds are just as dangerous as the sun.

True or False: Once a sunburn is healed, the worst is over.

False. A few serious sunburns can increase our risk of skin cancer. When skin starts to look pink, get out of the sun right away.

True or False: A wet T-shirt provides as much UV protection as a dry one.

False. Wet clothing offers much less sun protection than dry clothing. Special UV-blocking swim shirts are the exception.

True or False: Summer is the only season we need to bother with sun protection.

False. Clouds may block the sun’s light, but those invisible, insidious UV rays still creep through. The glare off snow on clear winter days can inflict snow blindness.

True or False: Only individuals with pale skin, blue eyes and red hair are likely to get skin cancer.

False. Anyone can. People with pale skin and light colored eyes and hair do have an increased risk, but any individual who disregards sun safety protection measures is playing with fire – and that is a truly dangerous game.

Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and proper clothing — let’s gather these items and use them. Let’s provide these items for children and the elderly. Let’s take the time to take care of ourselves.

Chrissie Kaufmann is a fitness instructor at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA.