Warm weather is upon us, we are golfing again, and getting out in the sun. Let me say in the strongest way, protect yourself.<\/p>\n
You have heard why. Overexposure leads to skin cancers later in life. <\/p>\n
I’m a redhead, very sun-sensitive. In my 20s, even then, I let my head be exposed and got some mild sunburns. Nothing that really gave me a problem, but after a few I started wearing a hat whenever the sun’s burning rays were out.<\/p>\n
Too late.<\/p>\n
In the past few years I have had three malignancies removed, one by a procedure called Mohs surgery. Look it up online. Not fun.<\/p>\n
This is what I recommend, based on my experience with hiking in the Southwest. Cover up. Sunscreen might not be as effective as we would like it to be, and it has to be applied at the right time and replenished.<\/p>\n
Wear a broad-brimmed hat. Wear something loose-fitting to cover your arms and legs. This also preserves moisture, and helps you stay cool<\/a>. <\/p>\n Wear gloves on both hands around the green, and keep your hands out of the sun when you walk down the fairway. I keep one hand in my pocket and the other hand pulling the cart in the shade of my body.<\/p>\n Hydrate! Drink plenty of water before<\/em> you get to the course. Then have a few ounces (frequent sipping doesn’t do the job) every few holes, and on every tee if it’s really hot. <\/p>\n Play early or late in the day to avoid the highest temperatures. <\/p>\n If you feel yourself getting overheated, take off your hat and shirt and get them soaking wet. Wearing wet clothes like this will keep your head (especially your head!) and chest cool, keeping your body temperature down. <\/p>\n Learn to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.<\/p>\n Heat exhaustion<\/strong>: What to do: Heat stroke<\/strong> (this is an emergency condition): What to do: Then there’s lightning, but that’s a different post<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Warm weather is upon us, we are golfing again, and getting out in the sun. Let me say in the strongest way, protect yourself. You have heard why. Overexposure leads to skin cancers later in life. I’m a redhead, very sun-sensitive. In my 20s, even then, I let my head be exposed and got some … Continue reading Sun and Heat Safety on the Golf Course<\/span>
\nCool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
\nHeavy sweating
\nFaintness
\nDizziness
\nFatigue
\nWeak, rapid pulse
\nLow blood pressure upon standing
\nMuscle cramps
\nNausea
\nHeadache<\/p>\n
\nStop all activity and rest
\nMove to a cooler place
\nDrink cool water or sports drinks<\/p>\n
\nAltered mental state or behavior.
\nSweating stops, skin is dry.
\nNausea and vomiting.
\nFlushed skin.
\nRapid breathing. Racing heart rate.
\nHeadache. <\/p>\n
\nCall 911
\nGet the person into shade or indoors.
\nRemove excess clothing.
\nCool the person with whatever means available<\/p>\n