Thursday, May 23, 2013

Links Between #Golf and Skin Cancer-Which Tour Players Had It?

After receiving a golf press release about "Melanoma May" I realized that the probability of skin cancer during this season merited another blog which will probably sound more like a public service announcement!


Here are the latest stats about skin cancer and the necessity of athletes, especially golfers, using a serious, water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen.

 ACCORDING TO RECENT STUDIES from SkinCancer.org:

·         65% of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

·         Men over age 40 have the highest annual exposure to UV radiation.

·         The majority of people diagnosed with melanoma are white men over age 50.

·         Melanoma is one of only three cancers with an increasing mortality rate for men.



WHY ARE GOLFERS AT A HIGHER RISK?

·         Getting four to six hours of sun exposure from a round of golf
·         Not wearing or reapplying sunscreen
·         Teeing off mid-morning when the sun’s rays are at their strongest
·         Having little or no shade if you stay on the fairways



GOLFERS WHO HAVE SURVIVED SKIN CANCER:

·         Fred Couples, a former golf world number one and US Masters winner, has had numerous cancerous lesions removed from his hands
·         Texan PGA player, Tom Kite
·         US Open winner, Andy North
·         English golfer, Brian Davis
Other famous people who have had a brush with skin cancer include Senator John McCain, former President Ronald Reagan, Ewan McGregor and Bob Marley.



To help prevent skin cancer, performance golf clothing is not enough! Doctors recommend applying a generous amount of water-resistant, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed areas thirty minutes before heading outside to play any sport. Look for a sports sunscreen formula that is designed to stay put if you sweat and won’t run into the eyes and sting, like the SkinCeuticals. No, I have not tried this particular sunscreen so I cannot recommend it personally. If my readers have tried it, I would appreciate your comments below.




SkinCeuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 50


Bottom line is to protect yourself. 
Have a safe, healthy and happy Memorial Day weekend.








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Monday, May 20, 2013

Performance Golf Clothing that Keeps You Dry and Concentrating on Your Game!

Spring weather can be very fickle for golfers who play in the rain; hence golf clothing must be functional and, yes, fashionable. Designed by golfers for golfers, Galvin Green waterproofs found at Function18.com can take care of the elements allowing you to concentrate on your game.

Players are always looking for that extra performance tech "edge", whether it's in the golf clubs or training equipment, so why not utilize clothing to your advantage?

Golf clothing now has to be functional, "providing exceptional comfort, freedom of movement and protection from the elements." GORE-TEX highly breathable and waterproof Tech Fabric with stretch, tabs with easy touch and close fasteners, front and chest pockets with water-repellant zippers and even extra-abrasion resistant material if you carry your golf bag helps to turn golf clothing into necessary equipment during your round.

Every year I have the opportunity to play Bethpage Black Golf Course and every year, like clockwork, it pours for the entire 18 holes...and I am unprepared. This year, according to the weather forecast, is no exception.

I wish I would have seen the numerous accolades given to the Galvin Green line of golf clothing before I opted out this year. Today's Golfer, in their January 2012 edition, said Galvin Green was the “Best Waterproof Brand and Best Apparel Brand of the Year" with National Club Golfer (NCG) giving Galvin Green two thumbs up as "The Ultimate All-Purpose Suit."

Galvin_Green_Ladies_Golf_Clothing

The "Alice" (above) in the Ladies Collection is waterproof and highly breathable and the "Beyonce" shell layer is a lightweight, windproof outer garment with temperature regulation. Warm, cool and base layers will keep your body comfortable during that all-important golf tournament.


Here are a few pieces I picked out from the men's line:


Galvin Green Acton GORE-TEX® Golf Jacket

Mens Galvin Green Acton GORE-TEX® Golf Jacket. A waterproof, full zip golf jacket in GORE-TEX® Paclite® stretch fabric. Extremely hard wearing and long lasting, easy to wash and maintain.










Mens Galvin Green Waterproof Golf Trousers



Mens Galvin Green August GORE-TEX® Paclite® Waterproof Golf Trousers. Waterproof golf trousers constructed from GORE-TEX® Paclite® Technology fabric, an ultralight fabric allows maximum breathability by releasing excess heat and moisture, whilst keeping external elements at bay. 






Check out the entire Galvin Green Golf Collection at Function18.com as well as the Masters Collection.


How do you purchase golf clothing ...with function in mind? 
Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on Facebook.



Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.