Parental Sun Protection Behaviors
First, let me introduce myself and then tell you about this blog and my request of the Yoga Sakti community. I have been studying yoga at the studio for about four years now and am a Visiting Scientist at the Sloan School of Management at MIT, where I study the innovation process. My current project, along with colleagues from UC Berkley, involves an examination of sun protection behaviors of parents.
As many of you may know, the incidence of skin cancers is increasing in the United States. Massachusetts, for example has seen a 78% increase in the incidence of melanoma since 1999. There are three main forms of skin cancers; basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma. While basal cell and squamous skin cancers are easily treated, melanoma can be fatal if not treated early. While the causes of the increased incidence are multifactorial, an aging population is likely a major factor. Unfortunately, the incidence of childhood skin cancers is also increasing. All of this is happening despite increased use of sun screen protectants. Sun protectants work by either blocking the ultraviolet rays (those that contain zinc or titanium) or by interacting with ultraviolet light (those that contain oxybenzone and others). A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association demonstrated that the chemicals used as sun protectants are absorbed through the skin and can be detected in the bloodstream. The effects of these chemicals are unknown. This has led many to seek more natural alternatives and a DIY sunscreen movement.
Little is known about sun protection behaviors in the US especially about parental measures for children. We have created a brief survey that we will use to help better understand how parents approach sun protection and the extent to which folks are using DIY products. The survey is presented in two parts. Each should take no more than a few minutes to complete and your responses are anonymous and cannot be tracked back to you. Please click “DONE” after completion of Part A, return to the blog and click on the Part 2 URL. Again, click “DONE” on completion.
Thank you for participating in this survey. We will post the results on completion.
And a big thank you to Cheryl for allowing us to access the Yoga Sakti community directly.
Harry DeMonaco
