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Shaw Center Teaches Kids About Sunscreen

You can't start too early when it comes to teaching kids about the importance of using sunscreen. This month a team from the Shaw Regional Cancer is performing sun-safety programs for 1000 area preschoolers kindergartners and first-graders in honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

The 20-minute program which features Blizzard the SunGuard Dog includes a skit sun-safety games songs and a strong message to sun guard your skin with sunscreen hats sunglasses and shade. The star of the show Blizzard dons sunglasses and a yellow t-shirt and passes out insulated lunch bags filled with sunscreen SPF 30 lip balm sun-themed snacks and drinks and sun-safety pamphlets.

"Kids really get into the program and we love to see the kids' faces light up when Blizzard is introduced" says Melaine Hendershott registered dietitian for the Shaw Regional Cancer Center and creator of the SunGuard Your Skin Program. "It was rewarding to watch them apply the sunscreen and lip balm from their goodie bags as they went out to recess at the end of our program."

The program which is in its sixth year is going to 11 different school campuses this year and continues to grow annually.

"We really feel we are making an impact for these kids and hopefully they will share their new-found knowledge with their families" said Kim Mitchell medical librarian at the Shaw Regional Cancer Center and member of the SunGuard team.

If you would like the SunGuard team to perform this program for your school or preschool next May email Melaine Hendershott at hendershott@vvmc.com.

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