Summer Health Tips
"Summertime, and the Livin' is Easy," or so the lyrics from Porgy and Bess tell us. June 21 marks the official beginning of summer, 
when days become longer and hotter. Ah-h-h, the pleasures of summer...lemonade, watermelon and a long day on the golf course!
Does a day on the course bring more hazards than just the sand trap and water hold? In recent years, much attention has been given to the toxic hazards of golf courses and potential risks they may cause to one's health. Numerous organizations and agencies exist to study, gather data and produce accurate reports to keep us informed and to reduce health risks to golfers.
Usually it is the "hypersensitive" person that suffers a reaction that may range from mild to severe. What can one do to insure a great day on the golf course without unexpected health hazards?
The very act of living life is associated with risk... like the fat lip I gave myself while putting the sun shade in my windshield! Some risks that might be encountered on the gold course may include: broken arms/legs (keep them in the gold cart), getting hit with a ball/club, respiratory/allergic reactions (lawn chemicals, plants/pollen, bug bites), sunburn, dehydration and of course, getting struck by lightening. One source reported that a gold course if the 5th most likely public location to suffer cardiac arrest.
So a couple of simple, common sense tips can prevent unwanted risks. For example, avoid putting the tee in your mouth. Not only does this reduce the exposure to lawn chemical or reuse water, but also to bacteria and fungi in the soil or from animal excrement (from those giant Canadian geese!). If you already have eczema or psoriasis, carry wet wipes to periodically wipe your hands. Wash your hands before you eat (like Mom always told you).
Are bugs attracted to you? Get relief with pure essential oils. Because of their outstanding antiseptic properties, essential oils are ideal for treating most insect bites. Mosquitos are repelled by Lemon, Lemongrass and Peppermint essential oils. For all-over protection from most "buggers," Lavender, Citronella or Chamomile do the trick.
Listen to your body...rest when needed, wear sun-block and a hat, drink plenty of water and take sensible precautions. May your only handicap come from your game!
Above article appeared in GolfViews Magazine, June 2005.
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