Derick Dermatology Donates Shade Structure to Ringwood School Primary Center
Arlington Heights, IL, August 8, 2019 - The playground equipment at Ringwood School Primary Center now has built-in sun protection for children thanks to a newly installed, permanent shade structure. Made possible by a generous donation from Derick Dermatology in collaboration with the American Academy of Dermatology's "Adopt-a-Shade" program, the shade structure will protect more than 387 children daily from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, which can increase the risk for skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form.
To celebrate, members of the community are invited to join Derick Dermatology, Ringwood School Primary Center faculty members, and students and their families for a dedication ceremony under the new shade structure, which will be held on Monday, August 12 at 6:00 p.m.
"We are pleased to donate this shade structure to help protect children as they play outdoors," said board-certified dermatologist Amy Derick, MD, FAAD, Derick Dermatology. "Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, and this structure helps eliminate that risk, particularly when the sun's rays are at its strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m."
According to the AAD, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and it only takes one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence to nearly double a person's chance of developing melanoma later in life. Seeking shade is an important way to reduce the risk of skin cancer, along with wearing protective clothing and applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
"Ringwood School Primary Center is very deserving of this wonderful shade structure," said board-certified dermatologist George J. Hruza, MD, MBA, FAAD, president of the AAD. "Children are especially vulnerable to the damaging effects of the sun because of the time they spend outdoors. It's great to see the community work together to protect our youth and teach them healthy sun care habits, starting at an early age."
The "Adopt-a-Shade" program is part of the AAD's SPOT Skin Cancer™ campaign to reduce the incidence of skin cancer by educating the public about effective skin cancer prevention tips. To learn more about this and other Shade Structure Programs at the AAD, or for ways to prevent and detect skin cancer, visit SpotSkinCancer.org.
About the AAD
Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 20,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow the AAD on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin), or YouTube (AcademyofDermatology).