The children
made "magic bracelets" that detect UV rays. (Photo courtesy
of Texas Cooperative Extension)
(El Paso)—Sun safety education is crucial in the battle against skin cancer, especially at a young age. That is why Texas Cooperative Extension is teaming up with the El Paso Parks and Recreation Department to provide a "sun safety" program to children participating in the city's summer camps.
According to the Texas Cancer Council, regular use of sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or more during the first 18 years of life can reduce the incidence of some types of skin cancer by up to 78 percent.
"It is very important to teach our children about the damaging effects of the sun and how to protect themselves," said Jim Rodgers, Extension agent for 4-H in El Paso. "Every time they are outside, their skin is exposed to the sun, even if it is cloudy. We all need to wear sunscreen and set a good example to others by wearing protective gear like hats, glasses, and even thick shirts."
The training session for the parks and recreation personnel included a demonstration of teaching materials such as the UV filter set and beads, the 3-D display of sun's effect on the skin, and complete teaching curricula to be used at each site.
Sunscreens with
an SPF of 15 or higher provide the greatest protection. (Photo courtesy
of Texas Cooperative Extension)
After taking Extension's sun safety training program, Keith Hall, recreation services coordinator for the parks and recreation department, has been teaching children about wearing sun protection and minimizing exposure to the sun's UV rays, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
"The consequences of spending too much time in the sun can be dangerous or even deadly," Hall said. "Some of the effects of overexposure to the sun include sunburn, skin cancer, premature aging and eye damage."
"The activity that children liked best was building bracelets with "magic" Ultra Violet detecting beads, which contain a pigment that changes color when exposed to UV light from the sun." Hall said. "The children were amazed when they stepped outside and saw their white beads turn into a multicolor bracelet."
The children then protected some of their beads with sunscreen and saw that they would not change color anymore. "UV rays have an effect on the beads, which would also be true for your skin, so remember to always wear sunscreen," Hall said.
The American Cancer Society estimates about 10,710 deaths from skin cancer will occur this year.
These are some of the symptoms of skin cancer:
The harmful effects of the sun can be prevented by limiting sun exposure
and wearing protective clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses. 