Mollie's Fund and SHAPE America Join Forces for Sun Safety Education
In an inspiring initiative, Mollie's Fund and SHAPE America have announced a collaboration aimed at promoting sun safety awareness among middle and high school students. This partnership comes at a crucial time, considering the rising incidence of skin cancer, particularly among youth who are often unaware of the risks associated with UV exposure. Supported generously by the Nestlé Health Sciences Community Care Fund, this innovative project is designed to provide educators with free and accessible resources to teach students about sun safety.
The Importance of Sun Safety in Education
As summer approaches, the need for effective sun safety education becomes paramount. According to statistics from the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Mollie's Fund aims to equip students with practical tools to minimize their risk. Cara Biggane Jung from Mollie's Fund expressed the organization’s pride in partnering with SHAPE America, stating, “These lessons provide students with lifelong tools to reduce the risk of skin cancer.”
What the Curriculum Includes
The newly developed curriculum offers a comprehensive suite of lessons tailored for educators. These lessons are designed to be engaging and informative, focusing on several key elements of sun safety:
1.
Understanding UV Risks: Students will learn how UV radiation interacts with different skin types, assessing personal risk based on these factors.
2.
Smart Decisions: The curriculum provides insights into how to read labels on sunscreens and understand UV indexes, enabling informed choices.
3.
Action Plans: It includes strategies for personal protection in everyday scenarios, ensuring students can apply what they learn in real life.
The lessons are not just theoretical; they engage students in discussions about safe sun behavior and encourage proactive measures to safeguard their skin.
Accessing the Curriculum
Educators interested in implementing this vital curriculum can easily download all materials at no cost from the SHAPE America catalog. This effort aims to make sun safety education a standard part of health education curricula across the nation.
About Mollie's Fund
Founded over two decades ago, Mollie’s Fund has been at the forefront of melanoma awareness and education. The organization collaborates with healthcare providers and medical institutions to inform various age groups about the importance of sun safety. In addition, they provide free skin cancer screening and connect patients with the latest treatment innovations and compassionate support.
About SHAPE America
Since its establishment in 1885, SHAPE America has set the standard for excellence in health and physical education. Their National Standards in Physical Education have served as a blueprint for well-crafted physical education programs nationwide. Likewise, their National Health Education Standards provide a foundation for effective skills-based health education. Together, they offer a framework that empowers educators to deliver high-quality instruction, positively impacting the health and well-being of students from pre-K to 12th grade.
For continued updates and information about this initiative, visit
SHAPE America.
In closing, with the upcoming summer season, it’s crucial to instill safe sun habits in young individuals. By launching the solar safety curriculum, Mollie's Fund and SHAPE America are taking a significant step toward reducing the risk of skin cancer and fostering a healthier future generation.