| July 2011--Made For Shade |
| Tuesday, 12 July 2011 03:45 |
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Most parents want their children to play outside when the weather is nice, but a day in the sun also has its dangers, like increasing a child's risk of developing skin cancer later in life. That's where Made for Shade comes in. The local non-profit provides funding for trees and structures that help to shade Black Hills area playgrounds. And that's why this month Black Hills FOX is recognizing Made for Shade for being committed to kids. A playground is like a kids' castle during the summertime when young ones often spend more time playing pretend than thinking about whether or not they'll get a sunburn. So others have to think about sun protection for them. Rapid City dermatologist Dr. Lycia Scott founded Made for Shade in 2007. Since then, the organization has raised tens of thousands of dollars to create shade on playgrounds and other places frequented by kids.
Scott says, "We've been able to give out numerous grants to different schools, elementary schools, to provide trees for shade areas. Also Stevens High School, we have a large tent awning that they can use at sports activities, so they can find shade where there isn't any, like at the track event. And we've been able to this year provide a large shade awning over Youth and Family Services' playground area." Besides that, Made for Shade also sends two physician assistants into schools that receive the grants to educate kids about the harmful effects of too much sun exposure. Scott says, "Eighty percent of our sun damage happens before the age of 18, so if we can reach people when they're young, make an impression when they're still willing to listen from someone other than their parents, teach them about skin cancer, sun avoidance, sunscreen, detecting cancer early, that's amazing, and that's part of what we do." And Dr. Scott hopes the organization can do much more in the future. Scott says, "You know I was at a baseball game recently, and I thought, 'Wouldn't it be nice if there were even just some trees for shade or awnings over the baseball areas?' The pools have very limited shade areas. I'd like to have all these outdoor areas where we go and enjoy time with our children shaded." Black Hills FOX salutes Made for Shade for being committed to kids and committed to kids' health. Dr. Scott says parents and kids can balance sun and safety. She says, of course you should enjoy your time outdoors, but try to avoid peak sun hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and wear broad-brimmed hats, sun-protective clothing and sunscreen. She also reminds everyone that sunscreen is important year-round. Julie Oberlander |
