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Local Voices

Be a Sun Hero!

Lake Forest Pediatric Associates and Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, in cooperation with Pediatric Sun Protection Foundation, are launching “Be a Sun Hero”, a summer pilot program to increase awareness of the benefits of wearing sun protective clothing at an early age.

 

Contrary to popular opinion, a suntan is not healthy. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, any change in your natural skin color is a sign of potential skin damage. And because children spend lots of time outdoors in the summer months, they are even more susceptible to sunburn and the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Too much sun exposure early in a child’s life could lead to skin cancer.

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Parents of young children are key partners in limiting children’s exposure to high levels of sunlight, which correlates closely with melanoma risk.

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In an effort to educate parents about the dangers of sun exposure, Lake Forest Pediatric Associates is participating in the pilot program “Be a Sun Hero”. Launched in cooperation with the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, the program is designed to increase awareness of the benefits of wearing sun protective clothing for children.

 

During the summer months, Lake Forest Pediatric Associates will provide sun protection counseling, emphasizing the benefits of covering up from an early age. Parents participating in the study will receive a voucher for a FREE child’s protective swim shirt from the Pediatric Sun Protection Foundation. Call to participate in the study: 847-295-1220

 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping your family safe this summer by avoiding sun exposure and dressing infants and children in lightweight protective clothing and brimmed hats. Additional sun safety tips include wearing sunscreen and sunglasses and limiting time in the sun during peak intensity hours.





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