Thanks to a partnership between Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation, the City of Carmel, sponsor Dawes Fretzin Dermatology Group and nonprofit organization Impact Melanoma, visitors to Central Park and Inlow Park can now receive free sunscreen.
On August 16, officials gathered at Westermeier Commons in Central Park to celebrate the installation of the sunshade dispenser on the east side of the wading pool. CCPR plans to eventually install the devices in every park in Carmel.
Dr. Anita Joshi, a pediatrician and Carmel City Council member who supported the project, said melanoma is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in people between the ages of 15 and 29. The risk of developing the disease increases over the years with constant sun exposure, she said.
“For me, it’s very important that we start something like this with the very young children that are running around here today and make sure that they are always aware of the importance of applying sunscreen and that parents have access to it,” Joshi said. “We are all well-meaning parents, but sometimes we forget sunscreen at home. Sometimes we just forget to reapply it.”
The idea to place the dispensers in local parks came from Umayr Shaikh, a Georgetown University medical student who grew up in Carmel and plans to return to the area to practice medicine after completing his medical training.
“What really interests me about dermatology is the fact that the number of melanomas and skin cancers is increasing every year, but one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent this is to apply sunscreen regularly,” said Shaikh, a 2017 graduate of Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School. “That helps people with their health both in the short term and long term. As a health professional, there’s really nothing better to do for your community than to protect and keep them safe.”
