My kids metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg used to have a story they told together about a hedgehog family that ended up managing a bad witch. I usually heard the story from the front seat when driving, and had trouble controlling my laughter when mommy hedgehog entered the scene.

My kids’ voices would reach into the falsetto range as they played the mom’s part: “Now it’s time to go to bed,” or “You need to say you’re sorry.”

The witch was amazingly thwarted by the sweet voice of this typical mom. I’m sure the story was partly a way to express their frustration at frequent annoying interruptions from mom, but I was happy that mom was still one of the good guys.

During the summer months, I feel like the mother hedgehog when, as my kids are rushing out the door to play, I say, “Put on sunscreen before you go outside.”

My mom also used to try to encourage me to wear sunscreen, but it was a nuisance that I often overlooked, especially in my teenage years when it was cool to have a tan.

I’ve always liked the feel of sun on my skin, and it seems unfair that such a natural pleasure should have to be blocked by something as artificial as sunscreen.

As a result of not listening very well, I got my share of bad burns and exposed myself to enough harmful ultra-violet rays to last a lifetime.

As I get older and notice my skin change, I regret that I didn’t listen to my mother, and I am trying to use sunscreen more faithfully. I also try to have my kids wear it, at least when they are going to be in the sun for any length of time. They are on a firm road to rebellion once they reach their teenage years, but at least I try my best to offer some protection to their childhood skin.

The official medical advice in regards to sunscreen is discouraging for anyone who wants to avoid nuisance.

There are two types of radiation that are of concern in terms of skin damage: ultra-violet ‘A’ and ultra-violet ‘B.’ Choose sunscreens that advertise blocking both of these rays. The sunscreen should be sun protection factor 15 or more.

UVB rays cause most sunburns, but they are of concern only in the summer months at the time of day when the sun is strongest. UVA rays are present throughout the year, regardless of the time of day, and they can also penetrate through glass. They do damage deep in the skin where we cannot see it.

So it sounds like sunscreen needs to be worn every day, not just the days in which one will spend several hours of uninterrupted time in the summer sun.

Also, contrary to the way I previously thought, sunscreen needs to be applied quite frequently, about every two hours, and more frequently when doing water sports. No more putting it on once and considering it taken care of for the day. Shucks!

One website estimated that most people apply only 25 to 50 percent of the amount of sunscreen that they should at each application. Apparently, when sunscreen is applied properly, it should form a film on the skin at first.

Even those with darker skin should wear sunscreen, as pigment doesn’t prevent damage to the skin.