Bloomington Hospital program looks to reduce community’s risk of skin cancer
Bloomington, Ind. (May 26, 2010) – Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Up to 90 percent of cases of the most dangerous form of skin cancer – melanoma – are caused by exposure to ultraviolet, or UV, light. Fortunately, there are many ways you can protect yourself and your children from extra exposure to UV light, including wearing sunscreen.
Bloomington Hospital’s Operation Sun Safety is in its fifth year and provides free sunscreen to area pools and parks, in addition to 150,000 free sunscreen packets to groups and individuals.
“We know that using sunscreen year round, but especially during the spring and summer months when we all spend more time outside, is a great way to reduce your risk for developing skin cancer,” says Janice Ross, manager of Bloomington Hospital’s Olcott Center for Cancer Education. “We want as many people in our community as possible to know about the risks for skin cancer, the importance of wearing sunscreen, and to have access to sunscreen for themselves and their families.”
Bloomington Hospital has worked with the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department to create sunscreen pump and information stations at City pools, including Bryan Park Pool and Mills Pool. Free sunscreen is also available at the City’s Kid City summer camp, the Indiana University Outdoor Pool, McCormick’s Creek State Park and Lodge Pool, and the Indiana University Tennis Center.
“Part of our mission as the City’s Parks and Recreation department is to provide programs and facilities that promote healthy lifestyles in our community. By offering free sunscreen through the hospital’s Operation Sun Safety program, we are able to educate the community on the importance of sunscreen use and skin cancer prevention. We are working together to improve the quality of life, safety and well-being of our community,” says Lindsay Buuck, Heath and Wellness coordinator.
Individuals may also request free sunscreen packets for their personal use and to take to smaller group activities, such as a Little League game, church picnic or your child’s summer camp. All of the sunscreen provided by Operation Sun Safety is SPF 30 and child safe.
To request sunscreen packets, call Bloomington Hospital’s Olcott Center for Cancer Education at 812.353.HOPE or fill out the online request form by clicking Regional Cancer Institute, then Operation Sun Safety at bloomingtonhospital.org. Individuals may request up to 250 sunscreen packets and they must be picked up at the Olcott Center for Cancer Education in Bloomington. Sunscreen packets are available now as long as supplies last.
Tips for reducing your lifetime risk of developing skin cancer
- Wear sunscreen anytime you’ll be outside exposed to the sun. Sunscreens are rated in strength according to a sun protection factor (SPF), which ranges from 2 to 30 or higher. Those rated 15 to 30 block most of the sun’s harmful rays.
- Whenever possible, avoid exposure to the midday sun (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
- Remember that protective clothing, such as hats and long sleeves, can also help block out the sun’s harmful rays.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
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About Bloomington Hospital
Bloomington Hospital, a Clarian Health Partner, has been innovative in providing quality care to south central Indiana communities for more than a century. Offering a comprehensive continuum of care, Bloomington Hospital is a not-for-profit organization and has a patient base of 413,000 in 10 counties (Brown, Daviess, Greene, Jackson, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, Owen and Washington). Bloomington Hospital currently operates two hospital campuses (Bloomington and Orange County) with regional specialty offerings for Heart and Vascular, Behavioral Health, Cancer, Women and Children, Neurology and Orthopedic services. As a leading hospital in Indiana, Bloomington Hospital enhances health by advancing the art and science of medicine through the use of new technologies, procedures and care.