{"id":582111,"date":"2010-05-26T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2010-05-26T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bloomingtonhospital.org\/WhatsNew.asp?PageID=WTN001028"},"modified":"2010-05-26T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2010-05-26T04:00:00","slug":"operation-sun-safety-provides-free-sunscreen-to-area-pools-parks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mereja.media\/index\/582111","title":{"rendered":"Operation Sun Safety provides free sunscreen to area pools, parks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bloomington Hospital program looks to reduce community\u2019s risk of skin cancer<\/span><\/p>\n

Bloomington, Ind. (May 26, 2010) \u2013 Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).\u00a0 Up to 90 percent of cases of the most dangerous form of skin cancer \u2013 melanoma \u2013 are caused by exposure to ultraviolet, or UV, light.\u00a0 Fortunately, there are many ways you can protect yourself and your children from extra exposure to UV light, including wearing sunscreen.<\/p>\n

Bloomington Hospital\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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,\u201d says Janice Ross, manager of Bloomington Hospital\u2019s Olcott Center for Cancer Education.\u00a0 \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 Free sunscreen is also available at the City\u2019s Kid City summer camp, the Indiana University Outdoor Pool, McCormick\u2019s Creek State Park and Lodge Pool, and the Indiana University Tennis Center.<\/p>\n

\u201cPart of our mission as the City\u2019s Parks and Recreation department is to provide programs and facilities that promote healthy lifestyles in our community.\u00a0 By offering free sunscreen through the hospital\u2019s 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,\u201d says Lindsay Buuck, Heath and Wellness coordinator.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s summer camp.\u00a0 All of the sunscreen provided by Operation Sun Safety is SPF 30 and child safe.<\/p>\n

To request sunscreen packets, call Bloomington Hospital\u2019s 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.\u00a0 Individuals may request up to 250 sunscreen packets and they must be picked up at the Olcott Center for Cancer Education in Bloomington.\u00a0 Sunscreen packets are available now as long as supplies last.<\/p>\n

Tips for reducing your lifetime risk of developing skin cancer<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n