Missy Gough
(847) 240-1734
[email protected]
Karen Klickmann
(847) 240-1735
[email protected]
Jennifer Gale
(847) 240-1730
[email protected]
EMBARGOED UNTIL APRIL 26, 2000
NEW GOLF PARTNERS JOIN HALE IRWIN AND THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY IN DRIVING HOME SUN PROTECTION MESSAGE
NEW YORK (April 26, 2000) -- The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and Senior PGA Tour star Hale Irwin, National Chairman of the AAD's KNOW Skin Cancer: Cover Up(tm) campaign, announced the addition of several prominent partners from the world of golf to their program to prevent skin cancer. Joining the campaign over the next few months will be 12-year LPGA Tour veteran Michelle McGann, the United States Golf Association (USGA), and nationally known teaching professional Dean Reinmuth.
"It is with great pleasure that I announce today the addition of some of the finest names in golf to our skin cancer prevention campaign," proclaimed Irwin. "This coalition of people and organizations will help expand the reach of our message tremendously. Any time you can bring together one of the all time leading money winners on the LPGA Tour, an association as reputable as the USGA, an instructor considered to be one of the best at his craft, as well as an organization as committed to fighting skin cancer as the AAD, you are assured of succeeding."
Skin cancer affects 1 in 5 Americans, and an estimated 1.3 million new cases will be diagnosed this year. KNOW Skin Cancer: Cover Up, launched in May 1999 in conjunction with the AAD's Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, is designed to educate the public, and golfers in particular, about the importance of sun protection and the prevention of skin cancer.
"The AAD recognizes that golfers, both professional and recreational, spend an enormous amount of time in the sun during peak sun hours," said Richard K. Scher, MD, FACP, President of the AAD. "We hope that this educational campaign will encourage the public to protect themselves from the dangers of the sun."
This year's campaign will feature Irwin and McGann in nationally distributed television, radio, and print public service announcements. Last year, the campaign reached nearly 25 million people thanks to the support of Irwin and other program partners like The Golf Channel national cable network and the National Golf Foundation.
"I'm excited to be a part of the KNOW Skin Cancer campaign," stated McGann, who is ranked 25th on the LPGA's all time career earnings list with seven career victories. "The game of golf has given me so much and I embrace the opportunity to share this very important health message."
"Sun protection is an important part of our industry," said LPGA Commissioner Ty M. Votaw. "Skin cancer is a disease that affects men and women alike and we are extremely pleased to be joining Hale and the AAD with its KNOW Skin Cancer campaign."
In addition to McGann, the United States Golf Association (USGA) is also joining the KNOW Skin Cancer: Cover Up campaign as a new program partner. "The USGA is pleased to be associated with an educational program that contributes to the welfare of all golfers," said David Fay, the USGA's Executive Director. "We support the preventative messages of the KNOW Skin Cancer: Cover Up campaign."
To educate its members about the importance of sun safety, the USGA will develop and distribute a bag tag to its membership featuring the AAD's sun protection tips. In addition, the USGA will produce and distribute a youth training video which will incorporate the sun protection message as an important part of learning golf. The video will feature Reinmuth, known as the "Dean of Golf" and a host and commentator on The Golf Channel. "Since 80 percent of sun damage occurs before age 18," remarked Dr. Scher, "this training video will teach children nationwide how to be sun safe while enjoying the game of golf."
Sun exposure is the most preventable risk 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 or 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.
-- 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.
REMEMBER, the sun's ray's are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, 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.
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