Karen Klickmann(847) 240-1735 [email protected]
Jennifer Gale(847) 240-1730[email protected]
Julie Bremer(847) 240-1743[email protected]
EMBARGOED UNTIL APRIL 25, 2001
GREG NORMAN JOINS SKIN CANCER AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
NEW YORK (April 25, 2001) - Professional golf star, Greg Norman, has joined with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the Richard David Kann (RDK) Melanoma Foundation in an effort to inform the public about the importance of sun protection and skin cancer prevention. This is the fourth year that the AAD has partnered with a member of the professional golf community to advance the message of sun safety.
"The American Academy of Dermatology is excited to have Greg Norman join us in our skin cancer education efforts," said Ronald G. Wheeland, MD, President of AAD. "We recognize that recreational and professional golfers, such as Greg Norman, spend an enormous amount of time in the sun during peak sun hours. We hope that this campaign will educate the public about the importance of practicing sun safe behaviors while pursuing sports interests - and at all times."
This year's initiative will feature Norman in nationally distributed television and print public service announcements, as well as a video news release. The theme of the campaign will center on the odds of getting skin cancer (1 in 5) versus the odds of getting a hole in one (1 in 12,000) during your lifetime.
"Greg knows how essential it is to educate children and adults about sun safety and protection from overexposure to the sun," said Debbie Kann Schwarzberg, Founder and President of the Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation whose brother, Richard David Kann, died of melanoma in 1995. "We appreciate his willingness to serve as a spokesman for this life-saving public health message."
"Because sun exposure is one of the occupational hazards of being a professional golfer, I practice sun safety daily," said Greg Norman. "I hope thosewho share my passion for golf, as well as all outdoor activities, will protect themselves from the sun, too."
More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year. Skin cancer accounts for more than one-half of all cancers diagnosed in the United States annually, making it the most common form of cancer despite being one of the most preventable.
Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. The AAD recommends that golfers follow these sun protection guidelines:-- Apply a broad-spectrum waterproof sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 - thirty minutes before tee time and reapply at the turn.
-- Ride in a covered cart for less sun exposure.
-- Wear protective, tightly woven clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt and pants.
-- Wear a wide-brimmed hat that covers the face and ears, and sunglasses with UV protection.
-- Seek shade while waiting at the tee or when play has stopped.
-- Use lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher and reapply at the turn.
-- No shadow-seek the shade! If your shadow is shorter than you are, you're likely to sunburn.
-- Consider wearing a glove on each hand.
-- REMEMBER, the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tee off before 8 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
-- Know your skin! Examine your entire body regularly. If you find anything suspicious, see your dermatologist.
"I am often asked for golf tips, but, practicing sun safety is my best advice," said Norman. "It may not improve your golf game, but it could save your life."
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1838, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of over 13,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the skin; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care; and promoting a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.
The Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation is dedicated to saving lives by educating the public on the prevention and early detection of skin cancer. For more information, contact the Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation at (561) 687-2400 or www.melanomafoundation.com.
###
RSS