UV Radiation from the sun can be dangerous. It can cause premature aging and skin cancer. We are exposed to the sun when it penetrates clouds and gas and bounced off snow, water and sand. Sun damage accumulates over the years, from prolonged outdoor exposure to simple activities like walking the dog, going from your car to the store, and outdoor gardening.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that you:
Seek the shade, especially between 10AM and 4PM
Don’t get sunburned.
Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Avoid tanning, and never use UV tanning beds.
Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.
The City of El Paso averages 297 days of sunshine each year. Affectionately known as the “Sun City”, it is home to more than 250 parks and 3,000 acres of open space. Our Sun Smart campaign aims to provide sunscreen dispensers for our most vulnerable population - our children. While El Pasoans appreciate many days of joyous sunshine, those UV rays can be harmful to the unprotected. Nearly 90% of all melanomas are thought to be caused by exposure to UV light and sunlight.
Look for the bright yellow dispensers in city spray parks and public gathering places sponsored by El Paso LIVE. Dispensers are also along the Playa Drain Trail, a city-wide trail beginning at Ascarate Park.
Sporting complexes and events are held year-round in the Sun City, and the city host athletes and spectators of all ages. Most of these events occur in areas that are open to the elements, and thus, exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays unavoidable.
Ask your sports coordinator to request a dispenser at their location! Placement of our sunscreen dispensers at sporting events makes perfect sense. Consider facilities such as:
Aquatics Facilities
Baseball Fields
Football Fields
Soccer Fields
Track & Field
Golf Courses
The Foundation is pleased to provide ‘loaners’ for your sun-filled events. Please send your request for dispensers via email to cmartinez@rgcf.org. We’ll need the date of your event, anticipated numbers and the location.
Thank you for helping us make ours a “Sun Smart” community!
Want Beezley for your classroom? We have a simple lesson plan and coloring book suitable for elementary students. Email cmartinez@rgcf.org for more information. We host contents, so make sure you follow our Facebook page for upcoming events!
Sporting complexes and events are year-round in the Sun City and host athletes and spectators of
all ages for hours on end. Most of these events
occur in areas
and complexes that are open to the elements, and thus, exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays is
unavoidable.
The placement of our sunscreen dispensers at
sporting events, and permanent installs in applicable complexes/facilities makes perfect sense
for all involved.
Corporate / Outdoor Workers
Both small and large companies are wonderful partners to roll out the Sun Smart initiative. From
car dealerships to hospitals and shopping
complexes, there is no
bad spot for a sunscreen dispenser. Wherever they exist, they demand attention and draw
utilization.
Outdoor Workers
Outdoor workers from construction to linemen are up against the beating sun for hours on end.
It’s vital that they protect their skin, and what
better way to
show your employees you care about their health?
Public / Nonprofit Educational Institutions
Educational facilities are the perfect location for our sunscreen dispensers. Additionally, the
Rio Grande Cancer Foundation has adopted the use
of Ray and the
Sunbeatables®: A Sun Safety Curriculum created and developed by
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
and disseminated by CATCH® Global Foundation.
The evidence-based curriculum educates children, parents and teachers about sun protection and
promotes sun safety behaviors in an effort to
reduce children's
lifetime risk of developing skin cancer. This curriculum is available for Pre-K, K-1 and 3-5.
To apply for a grant for your school, please download and complete the Request for Proposals.
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Tools
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