Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 22, 2010
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kelley Connors, MPH
Kelley@kc-health.com
203-856-3732
American Skin Association (ASA) Launches Program For Public Schools To Help Students Prevent Skin Cancer
Free Program, The Skin You're In, Also Focuses on Acne and Atopic Dermatitis, Common Conditions Among Millions of Preteens and Teens
September 22, 2010, New York, New York - American Skin Association announces the launch of its new education program that helps students learn how to prevent skin cancer. The program additionally includes information on acne and atopic dermatitis - common skin conditions among preteens and teens.
This fall, The Skin You're In program will be delivered to more than 15,000 public schools, 3 million students (ages 11-15) and 4.5 million parents and also invites students to inspire their peers about positive skin care behaviors by participating in a contest with two scholarship prizes.
"Young people learn in a variety of ways and that's why The Skin You're In contains multiple activities to engage their interest," explained American Skin Association Founder & President George W. Hambrick, Jr., MD. "Among these are WebQuest, a quiz for families, and a contest, which encourages students to use knowledge acquired in the classroom to motivate others to pursue best practices for good skin health."
Developed with and distributed by Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education and media company, The Skin You're In program includes educational materials for students, teachers and parents including: free classroom poster, lesson plans, and a class set of take-homes that deliver the latest information on staying safe in the sun, acne and atopic dermatitis. All materials align with national standards for health education.
The program's creative contest invites students to spread the word and inspire their peers about taking care of your skin and being proactive about skin cancer prevention. Students can win one of two scholarships in each of two categories - Print and Video Public Service Announcement (PSA). More information about the education program and contest may be found at www.americanskin.org.
"We're proud to partner with American Skin Association in producing this important education program to help students, parents and teachers learn about skin health, and shape important behaviors that will positively impact children's health and self-esteem," says Ann Amstutz-Hayes, Vice President of Scholastic InSchool.
"The Skin You're In underscores the ongoing commitment of ASA to educate children about the important role that skin plays in their health and well-being. We are confident that educators around the country will recognize this as an effective teaching tool to further health education," said Humberto C. Antunes, CEO of Galderma S.A. and Co-Chair of ASA's Education Council. "This program also creates a unique approach to public school health education around skin health. We applaud ASA for their creativity and expertise in reaching teens about skin health," added François Fournier, President, Galderma Laboratories, USA and Canada.
ABOUT AMERICAN SKIN ASSOCIATION
Led by patients, families and advocates working with the nation's foremost physicians and scientists, American Skin Association has evolved into an influential leader in efforts to defeat melanoma and other serious forms of skin disease. For over two decades, its mission has remained to advance research, champion skin health - particularly among young people, and raise public awareness about skin cancer and disease. For more information, visit www.americanskin.org
ABOUT SCHOLASTIC
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology and related services and children's media. Scholastic creates quality books, print and technology-based learning materials and programs, magazines, multi-media and other products that help children learn both at school and at home. The Company distributes its products and services worldwide through a variety of channels, including school-based book clubs and book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries, on-air, and online at www.scholastic.com.
ABOUT THE SKIN YOU'RE IN
The program builds on the success of The Wonders of Skin: Looking Good, Being Healthy, the award-winning program developed by American Skin Association in partnership with The New York Academy of Medicine. This year marks the 10th anniversary of The Wonders of Skin, which, to date, has provided free instruction on good skin health to students and teachers (Grades K-12) in 22 states and Washington, DC.
The Skin You're In will be distributed by Scholastic to middle school classrooms in the fall and includes educational materials for students, teachers and parents including: free classroom poster, lesson plans, and a class set of take-homes that deliver the latest information on acne, sun safety and protection, and atopic dermatitis, all of special relevance to tweens and teens.
All materials will align with national standards for health education and, wherever possible, link to activities and lessons in The Wonders of Skin: Looking Good, Being Healthy.
