|
After a damp first week, the weather for Week 2 is looking much better! For now, we're looking at temps in the 30's to 50's (typical New England spring with wide-ranging temps) and (hopefully) lots of sun!
A few health and safety updates for this coming week:
1) First aid kits: We have new first aid kits that will be located at each field under the field signs - they will have ice packs, finger splints, and Band-Aids, as well as boxes of Narcan. There will be an inventory sign-out sheet - please list any items that you remove from these first aid kits so we can be sure to re-stock them before each game!
2) Introducing: Health and Safety Committee (HSC) and Rapid Response Team (RRT)! ***New committee alert!*** The HSC will be composed of folks who are interested in health and safety topics affecting our league and community, including concussions, NARCAN, vaccines, STI testing, and more!
If you would like more information on the committee or would like to join, please email Theresa (Theresa@pvdgffl.org)! → Next HSC meeting will be Wednesday, April 19th at 5pm
Starting this week, you'll also notice players on various teams wearing a blaze orange reflective arm band. These folks are part of our Rapid Response Team (RRT) - these are individuals who've been identified to respond to a potential cardiac arrest event. In the event of an on-field emergency, please look for anyone with these arm bands.
3) Free Narcan/drug testing kits: Each of our three field signs will now have a QR code, which you can scan to request Narcan and/or drug testing kits (kits to test drugs for the presence of fentanyl). After completing the form, you'll be connected with a member of the HSC to pick up - and learn how to use - your items.
Weekly Health Highlight: Skin Cancer and Sun Protection in New England
With spring in full swing and summer right around the corner, it's important to think about your skin health. Continued sun exposure, even when cloudy, or cold, can add to your cancer risk.
Check out these quotes from Massachusetts dermatologist Dr. Rachel A. Ivker, who was interviewed on sun exposure in New England. Read the full article here.
- “Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. According to one statistic, more people have had skin cancer in the last three decades than any other type of cancer. New England has had some of the highest rates in the past. This seems a bit surprising since we are not a sunshine state.”
- “There is no such thing as a healthy tan. In fact, tanning is our body's response to injury from cancer-causing ultraviolet light. Tanning is never good for someone's health and it should be avoided year-round.”
Important sunscreen notes:
-
“Sunscreens have been shown to reduce the incidence of melanoma by over 50 percent.”
-
“Sunscreen should be applied a minimum of every two hours.”
- “The American Board of Dermatology recommends people use a broad spectrum - meaning it protects against UVA and UVB light - sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher that should be applied 15- to 30-minutes before going outside.”
-
“Outdoor athletes may have an increased risk of skin cancer since practice often occurs at peak sun exposure times. Furthermore, when people are exercising, they tend to sweat and sunscreen may be wiped away.”
- Don’t forget to cover the tops of your ears!
Check out these links below to purchase sunscreen:
Take care and stay safe out there!
Check out our Health & Safety section of our website for more helpful information.
| 
