FISHERS, Ind. (April 30, 2012) – Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Indiana’s only Smithsonian affiliate, is partnering with Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health North Hospital and Outrun the Sun, Inc. to help keep families and children safe in the sun this spring and summer.
In honor of National Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month in May, Conner Prairie is launching a new sun safety program throughout the park. The program will include free sunscreen for guests, new shady spots in the historic outdoor areas and a new shade structure over River Crossing Play Area at 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana that includes a climbable steamboat, water tables and water cannons.
Guests can also discover how people used protective clothing in the 1800s to stay safe in the sun by trying on various historic items such as bonnets, hats, pants and dresses and engaging in discussions with costumed interpreters.
“We feel a responsibility to our guests, particularly to the many families with children who visit, to provide sun safety information and methods for sun protection. We have their safety, health and well-being in mind, and that includes making sure they aren’t getting sunburns while visiting Conner Prairie,” said Ellen M. Rosenthal, president and CEO of Conner Prairie.
“Riley at IU Health North is proud to partner with Conner Prairie to educate the public on measures they can take to protect themselves in the sun,” said Dr. Kenneth Lazarus, pediatric oncologist at Riley at IU Health North Hospital. “Preventative steps like avoiding overexposure and wearing sunscreen are essential for minimizing the likelihood of getting skin cancer. We encourage visitors to take advantage of the sunscreen stations and shady spots throughout Conner Prairie’s grounds.”
Conner Prairie will also provide sun safety tips and facts throughout the park and online at connerprairire.org to help keep visitors protected during their visit and at home.
“Medical research indicates that there is a definite link between sunburns in children and an increased risk of melanoma and skin cancer later in life. Considering that skin cancer is the number one cancer in America and it also is highly preventable, we are delighted to assist Conner Prairie in implementing such an important program,” said Anita Day, executive director of Outrun the Sun, Inc.
More than two million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. “We all know the importance of sun protection,” Rosenthal said. “Sometimes we just need a reminder. It is important for Conner Prairie to do its part.”
Free sunscreen, shady spots and sun safety information will be available throughout Conner Prairie’s outdoor season, which is Tuesdays through Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May through October. For more information, visit connerprairie.org, follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.
Media Contact: Lynelle Mellady, Office: (317) 214-4732, Cell: (765) 977-3019, mellady@connerparirie.org
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About Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health North Hospital
For more than 85 years, Riley at IU Health has been one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals. Each year, Riley at IU Health provides compassionate care, support and comfort to 215,000 inpatients and outpatients from across Indiana, the nation and the world. Part of Indiana University Health, our unique partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine gives our highly skilled physicians access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology. Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health North Hospital has provided pediatric care in Carmel since 2005 and offers a depth of expertise in 23 different specialty areas. In addition to offering the peace of mind that comes with the service and support of Riley Hospital for Children’s nationally recognized programs, all patient rooms are private, including neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. Discover the strength at iuhealth.org/riley.
About Outrun the Sun, Inc.
Outrun the Sun, Inc. (OTS) is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization dedicated to building national awareness of melanoma and other skin cancers, educating communities about preventive measures that reduce melanoma’s incidence rate, and to raising funds for melanoma research, leading to effective treatments and a potential cure. Outrun the Sun fulfills its mission through programs including the Outrun the Sun Race Against Melanoma (Indianapolis, IN, June 2 at Fort Harrison State Park), Outrun the Sun Melanoma Research and Education Forum and the National Outrun the Sun Melanoma Research Scholar Program. OTS is the official sun safety partner of USA Track & Field. More information about Outrun the Sun, Inc. is available at www.outrunthesun.org.
About Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, created by Eli Lilly in 1934, is Indiana’s only Smithsonian Affiliate and a nonprofit organization that relies on sponsorships, grants and philanthropic gifts for sustainability and future growth. Families of today engage, explore and discover what it was like to live and play in Indiana’s past. Explore five themed historic areas on 200 beautiful, wooded acres including the newest exhibits, 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana and 1859 Balloon Voyage that takes guests 350 feet above the prairie in a tethered helium balloon. Every visit is a unique adventure that provides an authentic look into the history that shapes us today. For more information, visit www.connerprairie.org.