Monday, October 4, 2010

Health risks associated with Golf

Leptospirosis (Weils Disease)

Typically found in those who are exposed to water which has been

contaminated by infected rats urine. During a game of golf this is

typical while retrieving a ball from a water hazard, at times it may

be wise to forfeit a few points rather than delve deep into the water.

Malaria

Malaria risk on golf courses

is associated with the fact that most games in the hotter climates

take part early in the morning or late just before sunset - ideal

mosquito activity times. Golfers should take particular care to use

plenty of adequate insect repellent, avoid perfumes or aftershave

lotions and to wear light coloured clothing.

Bites & Stings

It has been mentioned above that retrieving a wayward golf ball can be

hazardous when the ball strays into the rough, this region of the tropical

golf course may be home to SNAKES, SCORPIONS and TICKS.

Tick Borne risks

Minute tick can spread a number of serious diseases including Lyme Disease,

Typhus, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Crimean-Congo

Haemorrhagic Fever to name a few. Avoiding exposure (animals, ferns, long grass etc)

is essential but also use adequate insect repellent on your ankles and exposed

arms and tuck your pants into your socks to seal around your ankles before starting to play.

Sun Exposure, Dehydration & Physical exertion

A round of golf may take 3 to 4 hours and in a tropical climate

this can lead to significant sunburn and dehydration in the

unprepared, so wear sensible clothing (cover arms and legs, loose

fitting, wide brimmed hat), use sun block and carry a sufficient

supply of fluid with you at all times.

Summary:

Good shoes. Good Repellent. Good Commonsense. Good shots!

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