SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/26719
When using sunscreen, be sure to apply it to all exposed areas, and pay particular attention to the face, ears, hands and arms. Coat the skin liberally and rub it in thoroughly; most people apply only 25-50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. One ounce, enough to fill the palm of your hand, is considered the amount needed to cover the exposed areas of the body properly. Don’t forget that lips get sunburned, too. Apply a lip balm that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Be sure to toss outdated sunscreen, as it will have lost its effectiveness. Reapply sunscreen frequently during the day. There are so many types of sunscreen that selecting the right one can be confusing. Sun- screens are available in many forms, including ointments, creams, gels, lotions, sprays and wax sticks. The type of sunscreen you choose is a matter of personal choice. Creams are best for individuals with dry skin, but gels are prefer- able in hairy areas, such as the scalp or male chest. Sticks are good around the eyes. Creams typically yield a thicker application than lotions and are best for the face. Ideally, sunscreens should be water-resistant, so they cannot be easily removed by sweating or swimming, and should have an SPF of 15 or higher that provides broad-spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB light. Ingredients to look for on the sunscreen label to ensure broad-spectrum UV coverage include: oxyben- zone, octyl methoxycinnamate, cinoxate, sulisobenzone, octyl salicylate, menthyl an- thranilate, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789), ecamsule (Mexoryl SX) Although working outdoors when the sun is less intense, before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., may not be feasible, sometimes rescheduling chores where exposure is lessened can be achieved. Seeking shade may have obstacles, but creating shade where you work with an umbrella or an awning is a great idea. You certainly now see more mowers, carts and utility vehicles with a canopy to protect the operator from exposure to the elements. If you notice a mole on your skin, you should follow the simple ABCDE rule, which outlines the warning signs of melanoma: • Asymmetry-One half does not match the other half. • Border irregularity-The edges are ragged, notched or blurred. • Color-The pigmentation is not uniform. Different shades of tan, brown or black are often present. Dashes of red, white and blue can add to the mottled appearance. • Diameter-While melanomas are usually greater than 6 mm in diameter when diag- nosed, they can be smaller. If you notice a mole that is different than others, or if you notice a mole that changes, itches or bleeds, even if it is smaller than 6 mm, you should see a dermatol- ogist. • Evolving-You should always be suspicious of a new or changing mole on your skin. It’s never too late to protect yourself from the sun and minimize your future risk of skin cancer. Understanding how to best protect your skin from the sun can help prevent melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. FOR MORE INFORMATION Melanoma International Foundation, www.melanomaintl.org American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org ■ www.stma.org SportsTurf 19