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Unprotected sun exposure is a risk factor for skin cancer. In 2011, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended sun protection counseling by primary care physicians. Does this counseling make a difference?
Thirty practitioners from three Chicago-area ambulatory pediatric practices (90% participation) were interviewed regarding their obesity and sunburn prevention counseling strategies. Parents of patients aged 9 to 16 years were then surveyed regarding their own and their child's sun protection behavior, history of sunburn, and amount of regular exercise, especially as outdoor activities are performed between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Sun protection counseling occurred more frequently than exercise counseling in all practices. However, such cou…