Few sports are probably as glamorous as golf. Golfers have that distinct aura about them that give the perception that they have an extremely firm body and they indulge in the coolest sport to maintain it that way. However, there are some health concerns that are prevalent in golfers. These health conditions are a result of the physical activity experienced by the golfers and the surroundings of the golf course.
Use of pesticides on the golf course
The primary health concern for golfers arises due to the use of chemicals on the field of play. All chemicals in excess lead to toxicity in all living organisms. For the toxicity to be produced, it is mandatory that the living organism comes in contact with the toxic chemical.
To the naked eye, a golf course looks lush green, primmed and proper. But in reality, to maintain the look, pesticides are sprayed on the field to prevent birds and insects from destroying it. This practice poses a health risk to golfers who spend considerable amount of time on the courses. It can lead to health conditions that may be short-term or chronic. The duration and severity of the medical condition is determined by the length of the exposure to the chemical and the severity of toxicity caused by it.
Some of the health conditions that affect golfers as a result of exposure to pesticides used on the golf courses are:
- Common cold
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Birth defects
- Rashes
- Headache
- Leukemia
- Infertility
- Brain cancer
- Learning disability
- Breast cancer
- Asthma
- Lymphoma
- Hormonal imbalance
- Stunted organ development
When pesticides are sprayed on the course and when golfers spend time on them, the pesticide drifts with the wind, settles on the skin and enters the body through the nasal cavity.
Other health concerns for golfers are physical in nature. They may occur as a result of overdoing the sport, doing it the wrong way or doing it less frequently. Some of the physical concerns manifesting golfers are as follows.
Posture:The posture you adapt when taking a swing goes a long way in determining the health of your legs, hands, shoulders and the spine. Stand with the feet wide apart so that the distance between them is at least equal to the distance between your shoulders. Distribute the body weight equally on both the legs. Do not hunch over the ball. Hunching over the ball may lead to strain on the neck and the back.
Manage the force:Golf swings require considerable amount of force and should be executed smoothly. An undistributed swing puts the weight on one part of your body causing sprain and muscle damage.
How to prevent physical injuries from golf
The possibility of physical injuries can be considerably minimized by following some easy tips. Indulge in a warm-up session before a game of golf. Build up your endurance with gradual and consistent practice. Strengthen the muscles of the arm, shoulders and leg by proper physical exercises. Wear adequate footwear to ensure comfort on the course.
image source: wikipedia
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