Working Together for Better Skin Cancer Prevention
Under the motto “UV-Schutz im Freibad - Mach den Sonnencheck” a new information campaign will be launched in August by KölnBäder GmbH in cooperation with the prevention project DIE SONNE UND WIR, which is largely supported by the Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) and the Department of Dermatology at Cologne University Hospital. The aim of the tour is to raise awareness among outdoor pool visitors about the dangers of excessive UV radiation in a playful and accessible way.
The tour is being carried out by the DIE SONNE UND WIR project team, which, as a partner of the nationwide CLEVER IN SONNE UND SCHATTEN initiative of the German Cancer Aid (DKH), aims to improve UV protection in everyday life. The campaign is also part of the measures of Cologne's heat action plan and is being carried out in close cooperation with the Cologne Health Department.
“Too much UV radiation significantly increases the risk of skin cancer-sunburns in childhood in particular should be consistently avoided,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Cindy Franklin, head of the Skin Tumor Center at Cologne University Hospital.
"Especially in the summer months – and now during the summer holidays – it is very important to us to raise awareness of sun protection and thus promote the use of UV protection measures. With interactive information stands, hands-on activities, and practical tips, we want to sensitize and educate children, young people, and families about health-conscious sun exposure and protection from harmful UV radiation in the midst of bathers' everyday leisure activities," explains Dr. Debora Grosskopf-Kroiher, head of the project DIE SONNE UND WIR (THE SUN AND US) at the University of Cologne/Cologne University Hospital.
In addition to information stands, bathers can expect interactive activities: children can experiment with UV beads or design UV caps, while adults can benefit from a free sunglasses check, textile protection demonstrations, and a prize competition. Information materials and a wheel of fortune round off the offer.
Tour dates for the “Mach den Sonnencheck” campaign:
August 09–10: Stadionbad
August 12–13: Lentpark
August 15–16: Höhenbergbad
August 18–19: Naturfreibad Vingst (weather permitting)
August 21–22: Zollstockbad
August 25–26: Zündorfbad
Note: The events will take place from 12:00 p.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m. In case of bad weather, the activities will be moved to the foyer of the swimming pools, if possible. Current information is available on the KölnBäder website.
Learn more about DIE SONNE UND WIR and the current project “UV-Schutz im Freibad”!
This message has been modified by the CMMC (K. Heber & D. Grosskopf-Kroiher) and is based on the text by the press and communications team of the University Hospital Cologne (original German version here).