Protect your skin

If you're an avid angler or boater, you will encounter some powerful rays out on the water. We're not talking about sting rays or manta rays, but rather the kind that emanate from the sun. While a deep tan has long been considered the mark of a veteran sportsman, today's outdoor enthusiast today's anglers should take steps to guard against damaging ultraviolet UVA and UVB rays. Forget about wrinkles and premature aging, spending extended periods of time under the sun without protection can lead to much more serious consequences, including Melanoma and other skin cancers. The risks are even greater if you are fair-skinned.

Although it is difficult for scientists to prove, recent studies suggest that the gradual "thinning" of our ozone layer is also increasing the dangers related to prolonged sun exposure. The unsettling fact is, doctors say skin cancer is reaching epidemic proportions. More common than the potentially lethal Malignant Melanoma are other, slower-spreading skin cancers, such as Basal Cell or Squamous Cell carcinomas. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 1 million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. alone, the most dangerous type being Melanoma.

"Despite increased awareness and advances, Melanoma is expected to strike one of every 90 light-skinned Americans by the year 2000," noted Dr. Weintraub. " Tens of Thousands of new cases of this sometimes fatal disease are diagnosed annually," he said

While the numbers are alarming, there's no need to be paranoid about getting out there to enjoy a good, long day of boating or fishing. However, it's wise to guard against the sun's damaging effects. Following these simple steps on a regular basis may just help save your skin!

Pre-Screening
In the old days, anglers and other sun-lovers applied nothing at all to their skin, or if anything a little "tanning oil" before taking part in their favorite outdoor pastimes. Today, technology and advancements in the medical and health fields have presented us with effective lotions for blocking out the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. However, all sunscreens are not created equal. Experts, such as Dr. Jim Weintraub, a board certified dermatologist in Westlake Village, Calif., recommend that you use at least a SPF 30 sunscreen when boating, that is a sunscreen that provides 30 times your skin's normal level of protection against the sun. For anglers and boaters, water resistant sunscreens -- those less likely to wash off during the day -- are best for obvious reasons. Owners of center console and other open deck boats often get wet while piloting their boats, so if the sunscreen applied is not water resistant, little or no protection will be achieved.

Be sure to apply the sunscreen at least one-hour prior to sun exposure, so the lotion can bond effectively with your skin. Don't be fooled by overcast skies. Cloud cover does not filter out the sun's damaging rays. It's also important to use sunscreen liberally over all exposed parts of your body -- not just your face and neck. According to Dr. Weintraub, boaters need to re-apply the sunscreen periodically throughout the course of the day, as wind, water and body oils tend to erode the effectiveness of even water resistant and "rub-proof" lotions over time.

Some good sunscreens and sunblocks are available at your local drug store, such as those from Bullfrog (#337030231), Banana Boat and Hawaiian Tropic. Excellent sunscreens are also available from many skin care professionals, such as dermatologists. Dr. Weintraub offers a complete skin care line called "Eskalay," that includes a water-resistant 30 SPF sunscreen for longer outdoor exposure, an everyday facial moisturizer/ sunscreen, plus a special vitamin C "anti-oxidant" cream that helps diminish fine lines and discoloration caused by sun exposure. Those interested in learning more about these products can contact Dr. Weintraub's office at (805) 496-7888.

Eye Contact
It's extremely important to protect not only your exposed skin, but also your eyes from the damaging effects of the sun. According to respected ophthalmologists, such as Dr. Penny Asbell M.D., of Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, failure to do so can contribute greatly to the development of serious eye diseases, including cataracts and macular degeneration of the retina -- the leading cause of blindness for Americans over the age of 55. Sun exposure can also cause cancer of the sensitive skin around the eye and eyelids, as well as photokeratitus. Dr. Asbell notes that recent changes in the atmosphere seem to add to the risk factor. "With mounting evidence that the earth's protective ozone layer is thinning, the indication is that UV-related ocular conditions are on the increase," she said.

For all of these reasons, wearing quality sunglasses that block out harmful UVA and UVB rays is extremely important -- especially for boaters and anglers. Take into consideration both composition and design when purchasing a pair of sunglasses. First and foremost, they should be polarized. This is the only kind of sunglass that provides defense from the harsh UV sun rays that can do damage to the various sensitive parts of the eye. Many of the less expensive models do not feature polarized lenses, and therefore do nothing to block out damaging UV rays. When it comes to your health and quality of vision, it pays to invest in a quality pair of sunglasses needed for spending long hours out on the water. Manufacturers such as Costa Del Mar (#188680300) and H2Optix (187220512) offer stylish, polarized models that also provide the highest level of UV protection available. By eliminating glare and blue light, these sunglasses significantly increase a boater's visibility. They also allow anglers spot game fish, schools of bait and current breaks. Available in various styles, these sunglasses are comfortable and provide effective, all-around eye protection.

Don't think that simply wearing a hat or visor will protect your eyes sufficiently from the sun. Sunglasses are essential. Like sunscreens, however, all sunglasses do not offer the same level of protection. Beware of "cosmetic" sunglasses that are simply tinted for use in sunlight that is not harsh. According to the FDA and the Sunglass Association of America, glasses that fall into this category generally screen out about 70 percent of UVB rays, but only 20 percent of UVA rays and less than 60 percent of visible light. Quality polarized sunglasses suitable for boating applications typically screen out at least 95 percent of UVB rays, 60 percent of UVA rays and about 60 to 92 percent of visible light. The best sunglasses available also offer 100 percent protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

As you can clearly see, there's a big difference out there among types and brands. Don't purchase a pair of sunglasses just because they are displayed at a tackle shop or boating supply store. Likewise, darker colored lenses do not necessarily mean a pair of sunglasses is more effective. Make sure the glasses you select offer polarization to block out all the harmful rays of the sun. Specific colors or darkness of the lenses may provide advantages for specific outdoor activities or situations, however, the contrast or color of the lens itself does not guarantee sufficient polarization or protection.

Head for Cover
While most anglers are devoted to their "lucky fishing caps," these old favorites often do not feature brims or bills long or wide enough to provide any significant protection from the sun. Long-brim style hats are more popular off the East Coast, but West Coast anglers seem to prefer "baseball-style" hats with shorter brims that do little to protect either the face or neck. Many marine and tackle dealers are now offering hats that feature longer, wider brims and even built-in protection for the back of the neck. Remember, it's not a "fashion show" out there -- the goal is to catch fish and enjoy being out on the water, while limiting your sun exposure. Select a hat on the basis of its functionality and comfort, not purely on looks or a trendy logo.