THE SERIOUS SIDE OF THE SUN {2001}

By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo

Now that we are into summer, it's time to bring up a subject most people like to avoid, sun protection. As a tennis instructor, I have made myself familiar with the dangers from exposure to UV (ultraviolet) rays. What amazes me is how many fellow tennis professionals take little or no care to avoid sun exposure. Here are a few facts that may help you enjoy tennis and all your outdoor activities for many years to come.

UV rays are actually a carcinogen; a cancer causing agent. Clouds do not protect you from UV rays. Exposure to UV is cumulative, meaning every time you are exposed, even for a minute, it adds to your overall dose. This continues from your first exposure until your demise. UV can damage your eyes. Use of regular clothing does very little to protect you. For example, a cotton tee shirt has a sun protection factor (SPF) of about 4. When wet, this drops to 0, so don't expect much protection, if any, when you are out perspiring on the courts. It's just not there! There are several clothing manufacturers who specialize in sun protective fabrics.

I've had people tell me they don't burn so they don't bother with sun protection. Burning has very little to do with the cumulative damage caused by the sun. Those of you who are concerned with your complexion, even if you are willing to risk skin cancer, need only look at players like Billie Jean King, and Steffi Graff to see the effects of extreme sun exposure. Most "sun worshipers" tend to look 10 or more years older than they really are.

Many of those who do use sunscreen do not use it properly. Waiting until they get out on the court to apply it lessens the effectiveness. These products are best when applied liberally at least 20-30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Just applying to the nose, cheeks and ears does not protect the rest of your skin. Any surface that is exposed is subject to damage. I have a friend who had cancer removed from his chest, and another that had cancer removed from his calf. Although some cancers are not life threatening, Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, if not detected early can spread throughout the body and ultimately cause death.

The following are recommendations from the Skin Cancer Foundation. It would be wise to read them carefully:

• SeekAvoid the sun from 10 AM to 4 PM
• Seek shade: trees, canopies, umbrellas
• Never seek a tan
• Apply sun-screen rated SPF 15 or higher
• Wear sun-protective clothing with SPF 15 or higher
• Wear UV-protective sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
• Protect your children and teach them sun safety
• Practice skin self-exam at least every 3 months

If you spot anything suspicious, see a doctor immediately
Use sun protection year-round, not just during the summer.

By Vince Chiarelli, USPTR, MRT & Owner of String Along With Vince
Copyright 2001 (Previously published in FLORIDA TENNIS - Aug, 2001)