Physical activity is an important part of a child’s day, but did you know that while outdoors, even on a cloudy day, students and staff are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation? UV is known to cause skin cancer, cataracts, and other eye damage, immune system suppression, and premature aging of the skin. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States with one American dying every hour. In fact, last year alone there were an estimated 1,260 new cases of melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer—reported in Wisconsin.

To decrease children’s unprotected exposure to UV radiation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a cross-curricular environmental and health education program called SunWise. SunWise was created with the educator in mind. It is flexible and fits easily into the existing curriculum.

Visit EPA’s web site at www.epa.gov/sunwise to order a FREE copy of the SunWise program. While at the SunWise website take time to see resources such as age-appropriate introductory sun safety presentations, as well as other useful teaching tools. We appreciate the role you are playing in educating students about healthy living and hope that you will include sun safety as another portion of that program.

American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/cancer/
CDC is a leader in nationwide cancer prevention and control, working with national organizations, state health agencies and other key groups to develop, implement, and promote effective cancer prevention and control practices.

Environmental Protection Agency – SunWise Program
www.epa.gov/sunwise/
The SunWise Program is an environmental and health education program that aims to teach the public how to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun through the use of classroom-, school-, and community-based components.

National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention
www.skincancerprevention.org
The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention facilitates skin cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection through education and promotion of sun safe behaviors. Together we will reduce the mortality and suffering from this devastating disease.

Sun Protection Foundation
www.sunprotectionfoundation.org
The Sun Protection Foundation is a non-profit educational foundation established to assist schools with the development and implementation of a comprehensive sun protection program.

Wisconsin’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Program
www.wicancer.org

For questions about this information, contact Brian J. Weaver (608) 266-7921

Last updated on 2/22/2008 8:00:44 AM