2 The SunWise School Program Guide Many believe that only lighter-skinned people need to be concerned about the effects of overexposure to the sun. Though it is true that darker skin has more natural pigment, which acts as a protectant, the skin is still susceptible to many of the damaging effects of UV radiation. Any change to the skin’s natural color is a sign of damage to the skin. The incidence of skin cancer is lower in dark-skinned people, but it still occurs and is often not detected until later stages when it is more dangerous. The risk of other UV-related health effects, such as cataracts, premature aging of the skin, and immune suppression, is not dependent upon skin type. The good news is that UV-related health effects are largely preventable by instituting sun-protection practices early and consistently. Schools and teachers can play a major role in protecting children by teaching sun safety behaviors. To help educators raise sun safety awareness, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed the SunWise School Program, a national education program for children in grades K through 8. SunWise Partner Schools sponsor classroom and schoolwide activities that raise children’s awareness of stratospheric ozone depletion, UV radiation, and simple sun safety practices. SunWise is a collaborative effort of schools, communities, teachers, parents, health professionals, environmental groups, meteorologists, educational organizations, and others. With everyone’s help, sun protection can grow beyond classrooms to the entire community. The SunWise School Program Guide is designed to provide school administrators, teachers, nurses, and other childhood caregivers with a general overview of SunWise and the components of the program. Additional brochures and fact sheets are available by calling the National Service Skin cancer and other sun-related health effects are largely preventable.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTkzMzk=