This month is Melanoma Awareness Month and I begin it by begging you to protect yourself from the sun! I have heard the phrase time and time again "I don't wear sunscreen," and it's just foolish. I was one of them until I did my research.

Wednesday was going to be 75 degrees and sunny, and we were planning to go to the beach. But as I was packing up my room for the year I hadn't realized I sent my sunscreen home. I could've bought it from CVS and The Corner Store or got it for free at the gym and doctors office. But as I woke up really late and scrambled to pack my stuff I realized I forgot to get the sunscreen. All seven of us piled into the 1999 white jeep that in reality could only fit five comfortably.

We reached the beach and of course, my pasty skinned self-wanted to get a nice tan. So I started up my speaker and began to play Post Malone's new album while lying on my stomach. Song after song I had my eyes closed and the sun beating down on my back. It was warm but that didn't phase me into getting up. Although I did at one point jump in the absolutely freezing water to cool off right after I got back to tanning.

It got windier and a little chilly so we decided to leave the beach and grab a bite to eat. As I sat in the rubber booth I felt the plastic rubbing against my burnt legs. By then I knew I had created a problem and it started by being too lazy to walk and get sunscreen.

Turns out I got sunburn all down my back that has left me with a painful sting. It is unfortunate that my family has a history of melanoma in it and I could have been putting myself at risk. I think it's hard for people to understand that it is reckless to not wear sunscreen and can have serious repercussions. The process is painful and the disease is deadly and you should read below to know how to prevent it.

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It damages your skin beyond repair and creates small malignant tumors that need to be removed. Melanomas take on the resemblance of moles that range from blending into your skin's shade or darker colors like black or brown. It is most treatable when in the early stages but can become deadly when moving onto the later ones. Some symptoms are: lesion on the body doesn't heal, color on skin spreads beyond the lesion, redness, pain, or a possible bump on the skin. If these symptoms are occurring with you be diligent to see a doctor.

These are ways to prevent it! Here are the ways best told by the Skin Cancer Foundation:

1. Become a shade dog and hang in the shade

2. DON'T BURN!

3. Do not use tanning beds

4. Use sunscreen!

5. Reapply sunscreen every thirty minutes

7. Do a full body examination to catch for perspective melanoma spots

8. Check in with a physician to ensure your safety

Do yourself a favor, if you are going to be in the sun put on a hat, sunscreen a comfortable shirt that will cover yourself from the sun.