We don't have to live in or near a desert to know the harsh effects of the sun as Jonah did "Then the LORD God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant." Jonah 4:6.
We are flooded with sunscreen reminders yet we seem to feel we are immune in the Northern Hemisphere, especially once we apply our "invisible shield" of chemicals. Few realize that sunscreen, although a step in the right direction, is intended to prolong the length of time we are in the sun, but is not a barrier to all forms of UV radiation. Countries in the southern hemisphere who have had a longer time to consider the effects of the harsh midday sun are not as complacent and tend to seek real shelter.
Australia has made it mandatory for school children to wear a hat in the school yard and some schools have built large shelters over outdoor play areas. Auzzies are quite aware of the dangers from skin cancer and some wonder why "Americans" (viewed overseas as North America usually) are not concerned. Australians have uv detection cards, campaigns, mandatory hats in schools, to name a few efforts to protect children.
I recently attended a sporting event for children and was tending to a group of youngsters aged 3-4. Some had hats and sunscreen, some became red faced as they had no sun protection. I suggested frequent water and shade breaks, although I cannot speak for the kids that went back to their parents between activities. Many of the parents were cheering on the older siblings as they scorched around the track without hats or shelters.
As a person who has had several surgeries to remove BCC (non melanoma) skin cancer ulcers, I attempted some education with some parents but the task feels monumental. It seems we could use a shade mascot.. not sunscreen mascots doling out chemical packets but someone doling out sunhats and parasols to schools and activities.
Schools and cities could use an increase in shade areas. Toronto has a shade program that installs shelters and/or plants trees for shade, which has gained momentum and endorsement.
Where to begin? Create an umbrella Non For Profit organization to create shelter and promote smart sun skills?
We are flooded with sunscreen reminders yet we seem to feel we are immune in the Northern Hemisphere, especially once we apply our "invisible shield" of chemicals. Few realize that sunscreen, although a step in the right direction, is intended to prolong the length of time we are in the sun, but is not a barrier to all forms of UV radiation. Countries in the southern hemisphere who have had a longer time to consider the effects of the harsh midday sun are not as complacent and tend to seek real shelter.
Australia has made it mandatory for school children to wear a hat in the school yard and some schools have built large shelters over outdoor play areas. Auzzies are quite aware of the dangers from skin cancer and some wonder why "Americans" (viewed overseas as North America usually) are not concerned. Australians have uv detection cards, campaigns, mandatory hats in schools, to name a few efforts to protect children.
I recently attended a sporting event for children and was tending to a group of youngsters aged 3-4. Some had hats and sunscreen, some became red faced as they had no sun protection. I suggested frequent water and shade breaks, although I cannot speak for the kids that went back to their parents between activities. Many of the parents were cheering on the older siblings as they scorched around the track without hats or shelters.
As a person who has had several surgeries to remove BCC (non melanoma) skin cancer ulcers, I attempted some education with some parents but the task feels monumental. It seems we could use a shade mascot.. not sunscreen mascots doling out chemical packets but someone doling out sunhats and parasols to schools and activities.
Schools and cities could use an increase in shade areas. Toronto has a shade program that installs shelters and/or plants trees for shade, which has gained momentum and endorsement.
Where to begin? Create an umbrella Non For Profit organization to create shelter and promote smart sun skills?
Photo shamelessly borrowed in admiration. Please click on image to view original source.
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