Sun Safety for Equestrians: How SunSafe Equestrian Is Tackling Skin Cancer Awareness
A life immersed in equestrian sports often means spending countless hours outdoors, enduring prolonged exposure to the sun’s harsh UV rays. This reality makes sun safety an essential topic for riders, trainers, and anyone involved in the horse show community. Fortunately, a family from Louisiana has established SunSafe Equestrian, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sun safety and offering free skin cancer screenings at horse shows.
The Birth of SunSafe Equestrian
Sisters Stella (14) and Vivian Prather-Silva (12) have been involved in the equestrian lifestyle since Stella began riding at age six. Their father, Dr. Chad Prather, a dermatologist with over 20 years of experience, has always emphasized the importance of sun protection. Given the significant risk of skin damage in the equestrian community, the girls recognized the need for a solution.
Their mission is clear: “To promote sun safety in equestrian riders through education, prevention, and early detection of skin cancer,” says Dr. Prather.
Why Sun Safety Matters
According to Dr. Prather, who frequently diagnoses and treats skin cancer, many equestrians are unaware of the potential skin damage they face. He highlights several key points:
- High Exposure Risks: Equestrians often spend long hours outdoors, significantly increasing their risk of sun damage.
- Limited Access to Dermatologists: For grooms, trainers, and riders on the go, accessing regular skin checks can be challenging.
What SunSafe Equestrian Offers
With the inception of SunSafe Equestrian, Stella and Vivian aim to educate their fellow equestrians about skin protection and provide essential services right at the horse shows.
Key Offerings
- Free Skin Cancer Screenings: Available at horse shows, ensuring everyone can get checked without the hassle of scheduling a dermatologist appointment.
- Educational Materials: Handed out at booths, including information on skin cancer detection and prevention strategies.
- Free Sunscreen Samples: To encourage daily use and reapplication, especially during long hours in the sun.
Recent Activities and Events
The SunSafe Equestrian booth has made appearances at several events, including the Gulf Coast Classic and the USEF Pony Finals in Kentucky. Here, Dr. Prather performed over 30 screenings in just two days, providing valuable information and reassurance to attendees.
Booth Experience
Visitors to the SunSafe Equestrian booth can expect:
- Private Skin Checks: Conducted using magnification loupes, giving a thorough overview of any concerning spots.
- Reassurance through Screening: Immediate feedback on skin health during quick check-ups.
Expert Tips for Sun Protection
Dr. Prather shares several recommendations for effective sun safety:
- Sunscreen Application: Use SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours, especially after sweating.
- Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses designed to block UV rays.
- Optimal Riding Hours: Ride before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. to dodge the sun’s strongest rays.
The ABCDEs of Skin Cancer
The Prather-Silva sisters created pamphlets detailing the ABCDEs of Skin Cancer:
- Asymmetry
- Border
- Color
- Diameter
- Evolution
These guidelines help individuals recognize when to seek a professional opinion.
Engaging the Community
The Prather-Silva sisters are harnessing the power of social media to spread their message. They actively update their Facebook and Instagram pages with educational content and safety reminders.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, SunSafe Equestrian aims to:
- Develop a dedicated website.
- Partner with various equestrian organizations to promote skin safety initiatives further.
- Expand their reach by attending more horse shows across various disciplines.
Upcoming Event
Mark your calendars for the 26th Annual Halloween Horse Show, taking place from October 24-26 in Folsom, Louisiana. SunSafe Equestrian will be there, ready to educate and protect more equestrians.
Conclusion: Making Sun Safety a Priority
As the Prather-Silva family emphasizes, caring for one’s skin is crucial in the equestrian community. By making sun protection a routine part of riding, they hope to instill lifelong habits that safeguard the health of equestrians everywhere.
Remember: Always wear sunscreen, limit sun exposure, and stay vigilant about skin health. Together, we can combat the high risk of skin cancer in the equestrian world. For more information on sun safety, visit resources like Cancer.org or CDC.gov.
