Got Kids? Need Sun Safety!

For the “Saving Our Kids' Skin” File

Bill Barth loves kids--especially his own two soccer-playing granddaughters. When he thought game officials were more interested in giving them Gatorade than sunscreen, he created a child-focused sun safety initiative. Any time between 10 and 2 you’ve got to cover up and that’s the time kids are out there on the field!” says Barth, a two-time skin cancer survivor who started the non-profit Skin Cancer Awareness Foundation on his own dime. Why worry about kids’ exposure to sun? Because harmful sun effects and the risk of skin cancer both accumulate over a lifetime. So, getting an early start with sun safety--any time after age 6 months--is key to avoiding the disease.

Nation’s Dermatologists Honor Sun-Safe Kids Program

Barth’s dedication seems to be paying off--for kids, families and schools in communities across the U.S. and in seven countries. It was just announced that the Skin Cancer Awareness Foundation has won the American Academy of Dermatology 10th Annual Gold Triangle Award for its Sun Smart Kids Cool School Program. The Cool School Program provides everything from consulting services to downloadable learning materials that a medically knowledgeable volunteer can present in pre-K to grade 6 classrooms. Also, schools can sign up for a visit from Foundation educational vehicles, decorated to appeal to elementary schoolers and teens. What may be most important is that schools can apply for a Shade Grant--all or partial assistance to install a UV playground sunshade that typically costs an average of $14,000.

From Tomb Raider to Awareness Raiser

The Dermatology Academy honor described above comes on the heels of the foundation’s unveiling Lara Croft (of movies, music videos, comics, videogames and amusement park rides fame) as spokesmodel for a new campaign aimed specifically at teens. The digital superstar will help place skin cancer awareness information in ways and places that reach teens in a way that adults often can’t. Dermatologist and Foundation member Dr. Anne Haas leads the focus saying, “Skin cancer is the fastest growing cancer in the world and the most preventable. Melanoma is being diagnosed in the young populations, no longer just in the older adults."

Lara Croft Tomb Raiders’ Legend that runs on PS2 and Xbox has sold 28 million units for fun & games. Hopefully Lara and the Foundation can reach as many or more teens for prevention & health.

P.S. - To help protect all outdoor enthusiasts--both adults and kids--from harmful UV rays in outdoor areas like pools, bleachers and eating spaces, The American Academy of Dermatology Shade Structure Program awards funds for purchase of permanent shade structures to non-profits. Here's the info Link.

Tags: Lara Croft, Skin Cancer Awareness Foundation, Bill Barth, Dr. Anne Haas, Sun Smart Kids Cool School Program, Shade Structure Grants, Walktopia