May – Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Memorial Day is over, school is out and days are getting longer meaning we are spending significantly more time outdoors.  While that summer sun makes us all a little bit more happy, we need to remember the dangers of the UV rays that come along with summer days.  Whether it is a quick trip to the driving range or a few hours playing 18 – golfers have a large exposure to the potentially dangerous effects of the sun.
 
In one study (according to skincancer.org) professional golfers received on average an estimated 217 times the amount of UV radiation needed to cause a sunburn over the course of a year.  Recreational golfers are at risk too, since every hour they can receive 3.5 to 5.4 times the amount of UV radiation exposure needed to cause sunburn.  It’s not just the sun that makes golfing so dangerous; features on the golf course, like water in ponds and sand in sand traps, can reflect UV radiation back at you, so that it hits your skin a second time. 
 
“Additionally, 78 percent of golfers share another skin cancer risk factor: They are male.  Starting at the age of 40, the incidence of melanoma is higher in men than in women, and this trend becomes more pronounced with each decade” – skincancer.org
 
By scheduling an earlier or later tee time, before 10am or after 4 pm, you can avoid the most intense sun hours.  Also – wear UV protectant clothing, preferably a large brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses. 
 
Finally, be sure to have broad-spectrum sunscreen (a sports formula stick sunscreen is easy to carry)with you on the green so that you can “Reapply every nine holes, or every two hours,” like dermatologist and golfer Steven M. Rotter, MD.  Remember to apply sunscreen to frequently overlooked spots, such as the scalp (there are sunscreens designed specifically for this area) and the backs of the hands. A lip balm with an SPF of 30+ will help protect your lips. Dr. Rotter offered one more tip: “Put sunscreen on your ears. People always forget that!”
 
Golf Etc. Wichita carries GolfersSkin, a sunscreen formulated specifically for golfers and offers total UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection from the elements.  The non-greasy formula won’t run in your eyes, even when you are sweating.  It also won’t interfere with your grip. “Paraben free, paba free, and nanoparticle free Golfersskin powerfully nourishes your skin with moisturizing Aloe Vera and world-renowned UMF 18 Manuka Honey. Unique to New Zealand and touted for it’s remarkable anti-bacterial and antioxidant benefits, Manuka Honey fights free radicals and assists the body’s ability to hydrate while soothing and improving your skin. “ (golfersskin.co)
 
“Golfersskin is the ultra-performance sunscreen line specifically developed for golfers. With over 200+ PGA Tour Players trusting Golfersskin for performance and protection, see why we’re quickly becoming the #1 used sunscreen in golf.”
 
May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month.  Come in to Golf Etc. Wichita for a free UV Bracelet with purchase of any GolfersSkin product!