That might be a good idea but, in the meantime, teachers can play an important role in sun safety education. They can teach about and reinforce precautions that can be taken to avoid skin cancer later in life. Between 800,000 and 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, and more than 9,000 people will die of the disease, the American Cancer Society estimates. Avoid being out during the peak sun-exposure hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wear hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
Some medicines increase the body s sensitivity to sun.
Divide students into small groups and invite them to brainstorm a list of fun things they can do this summer if they re feeling bored. One person in each group can act as secretary and record the group s list. Give students ten minutes to do this activity. Then give them a couple more minutes to review their lists and to place a star next to each entry that can be done indoors or in a place that is safe from sun exposure. Finally, invite the groups to share their ideas.