Sport is a universal activity. It is enjoyed across the world bringing people of all ages and nations together. Most sport is played outdoors during all seasons. Matches can last for days or 80 minutes. Whatever the duration of the competition, when practice sessions are taken into account, players are exposed to the harsh sun for hours on end.
A few generations ago we all enjoyed the sunshine. Sunbathing and tanning was the “in” thing. Similarly, sports men and women are noticed, admired and even envied for their toned bodies and deeply tanned skins.
But those days are over and we are now paying the price as our skins slowly start to show the damage done all those years ago. Even spectators at sporting events are exposed to the harsh African sun and can soon find themselves with serious skin problems.
So, how do we protect ourselves from sunburn and still enjoy our sport?
We need to take precautions to keep the sun from burning exposed areas of our skin. But be aware that the sun’s rays don’t just beat down on us from above. They reflect upwards from the playing surface as well, making it necessary to take additional precautions.
Here are some practical tips that would help you stay protected and cool at the same time:
- Use sunscreens, but choose a reliable product and follow the instructions.
- Keeping the body Cool is imperative. So use poducts such as COOL COLLARS or COOL CLOTHS.
- Drink COOL water to keep your body hydrated at all times.
- Fanning the body with something like a hat will cool down your body.
- Wear a hat with a wide brim. Peaks do not give the side of the face, ears and the neck and the top of the head any protection.
- Wear clothing with a collar and buttons so that you do not burn V at the base of your neck. A collar will keep the sun off the neck.
- Wear UV sunglasses. They protect the eyes from the reflected rays of the sun from the playing surfaces.
- Arms and hands are mostly horizontal to the body. They are at greater risk from sunburn.
In addition to these tips on how to keep protected and cool, use some of our Sun Sleeve products:
- Use Sun Sleeves and hand covers. They are made out of a UV fabric.
- The sleeves can be branded, they can be plain or “fun and funky”.
- Sun Sleeves protect your arms from the sun and glare from the ground.
- They keep you COOL in the heat and warm on chilly days.
- They can be worn wet for added COOLNESS.
- If you are feeling hot, you can just pull them down for a few minutes.
- Having the arms free of sun block allows the body to perspire and this will help to keep the body COOL.
Do not take any chances with the harsh African sunshine when performing outdoor sports, or even as merely a spectator. The damage to your body can jump from just a sunburn to serious skin cancer with prolonged exposure.
We would like to encourage you to explore the alternatives that are available. If you are not sure how to go about this or would like some guidance with regards to your unique cisrcumstances, please contact us and we’ll be happy to share some more ideas with you.