Southern Colorado Dermatology Clinic
Sponsors Shade Structure for
Villa Bella Expeditionary School
The playground at Villa Bella Expeditionary School will soon have built-in sun protection for children thanks to a new permanent shade structure. The structure, funded by a Shade Structure Grant from the American Academy of Dermatology, will protect children each day from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, which can increase skin cancer risk.
Dr. Krystal Nakamura, a member of the AAD, sponsored Villa Bella Expeditionary School grant application.
Unprotected sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, and seeking shade is an easy way to protect yourself. You can also reduce your skin cancer risk by wearing protective clothing and applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Since its launch in 2000, the AAD’s Shade Structure Grant Program has awarded funding for more than 400 shade structures across the country, which provide shade for more than three million individuals each day. For more information on skin cancer prevention, visit SpotSkinCancer.org