According to the National Golf Foundation, 29 million Americans play golf. That puts a lot of people outdoors for each game that they play, and if they want to get good at the game they are playing more than one round per year. What many of these golfers may not realize is the increased risk for skin cancer they have by being avid golfers. Skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, is the most common form of cancer in the country, with 2 million people being diagnosed with it each year.
“Playing golf is great, but many don’t realize that it’s typically played in the sun,” explains Elise Champe, owner of Eclipse Sun Products. “All that sun exposure can really do some damage. It’s important to know the risks and what can be done to minimize them while enjoying the game.”
Here are 5 reasons every golfer needs sun sleeves:
- Time. The average time to play a round of golf is four hours, putting golfers in the sun for extended periods of time. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation reports that professional golfers end up getting an average of 217 times more ultraviolet (UV) radiation than is needed in order to cause a sunburn over the course of a year.
- Age. Research shows that the majority of people who are diagnosed with skin cancer are over the age of 40, which also coincides with the typical ages of golfers.
- Risks. While many people brush off the idea of skin cancer, assuming it is not dangerous, it is actually one of the three types of cancer that is experiencing an increase in mortality rate for men. Roughly 9,500 people died from skin cancer in 2013.
- Gender. On average, 78 percent of avid golfers are males, which is another skin cancer factor. The majority of people diagnosed with melanoma are white men over the age of 50.
- Action. Rather than forget about playing golf, people can take steps to reduce their risks of getting skin cancer while playing the game. In addition to wearing a wide-brimmed hat and avoiding peak sun times, they can wear sun sleeves, which will protect their arms and hands from the harmful UV rays.
“Nobody wants to give up golf and they shouldn’t have to,” added Champe. “But the risks associated with playing it and skin cancer are real. Taking action can help reduce risks and keep you playing for many more years to come.”
Eclipse Sun Products, which include sun sleeves and sun gloves, are being used by many people who spend a lot of time outdoors, including golfers, drivers, hikers, and bikers. They are UPF 50+, fashionable, finger-free, and made from patented sun guard fabric. They are made of Spandex to provide a non-slip fit. They also provide moisture wicking and cooling. For more information, visit the site at www.eclipseglove.com.