Strides to Safety: Promoting Skin Health in Runners

Work Type

Poster

Abstract

The ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure runners accumulate over their lifespan (and teenage years specifically) puts them at an increased risk for developing melanoma and other skin cancers.

Runners appear to recognize the negative consequences of UVR exposure yet still report underuse of protective measures due to a lack of effective intervention.3 This emphasizes the need for community education and was a call to action for this project! This along with my own personal experience as a young runner inspired this topic choice.

This project aimed to educate young runners and coaches about the negative health risks associated with their sport, while equipping them with practical tools to keep their skin safe while running.

The target audience of the project was high school cross country and track coaches in the Des Moines Area. By providing educational flyers to their schools and spending time educating these influential leaders, the goal was to inspire a top-down shift in sun safety habits among young athletes.

Publication Date

5-14-2025

Object Description

1 pdf file

Comments

An earlier version of this poster was presented at Iowa Physician Assistant Society. Healthcare in the Heartland. Student Symposium. Iowa City, Iowa. October 20, 2025.

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