Policies to promote sun safety and prevent skin cancer

PTA’s and PTO’s are encouraged to learn more about School policies that promote sun safety and prevent skin cancer through a document produced by the National Association of State Boards of Education.  This policy document titled “Fit, Healthy and Ready to Learn” - Policies to promote sun safety and prevent skin cancer has informative strategies that schools may adopt to help their campuses be more sun safe. 

An alarming fact that I picked up from the article, was the point where The US  Federal Government has classified solar radiation as a known human carcinogen.  Over exposure to uv rays is amongst the group of agents that cause cancer,  included with a list that includes asbestos, arsenic, radon and tobacco smoke.     Skin cancer, although preventable, has become the most common type of cancer in the United States, with children being the most vulnerable group, as sun exposure is linked to childhood especially before the age of 10. 

To learn more on how your school may become sun safe please access the link here to download the complete document. http://www.nasbe.org/healthyschools/download_pdf/Fit%20Healthy%20Sun%20Safetyw.pdf

Picture showing a covered outdoor basketball court with shade structures.  Children may play extended hours and enjoy protection from harsh uv rays.