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Fitness Friday: First-aid for golfers' ailments

*Editor's note: Every week my colleague Ron Kaspriske, Golf Digest Fitness Editor, presents Fitness Friday on the Instruction Blog. He gives you a great health and fitness tip or an exercise or stretch to get your body warmed up for the weekend. This week he offers advice on dealing with common season-opening golf injuries. Look for Saturday Morning Tip tomorrow, and remember to follow me on Twitter @RogerSchiffman.

Roger Schiffman

Managing Editor

Golf Digest

*For many people across the U.S., April marks the start of golf season. That means dragging the clubs out of the garage, heading to the local driving range or course, and trying to find some semblance of a swing to start the new year. Of course, your set of clubs isn't the only thing that needs to have the cobwebs

**  dusted off. If your body isn't prepared to hit a large bucket or two, or even play 18, you're going to end up needing some TLC when you get home. Here are some quick remedies for golf-related aches and injuries.

--Blisters: Drain with a sterile needle by piercing the edge, not the middle. Leave the layer of dead skin intact and dab antibiotic ointment on it. Protect with a regular or padded bandage if near or on fingers and toes, but if it's on the palm or heel of your foot, protect with a product called "moleskin."

--Sore back: If physician approved, take the recommended dose of over-the-counter ibuprofen or naproxen and apply ice once an hour for 15 minutes at night. Apply a heat wrap the next morning. If back-pain persists for more than a day, see a doctor.

__--Sore feet:__Treat blisters (above) and soak in ice for 15 minutes, several times in the evening. Do not remove or reduce calluses. Elevate feet to reduce swelling. Feet also can be wrapped in an Ace bandage for support. If foot pain persists for more than a day, see a doctor.

--Sunburn: Apply skin moisturizer (not alcohol-based) regularly, and leave a wet/chilled towel covering the area. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or aspirin (if doctor approved). If skin has blisters, leave intact. Cover with gauze if necessary to protect the blisters.

__--Bug bites:__Wash with warm water and soap and, if they are itchy, rub an aspirin (if non-allergic) directly over the area. Aspirin has anti-inflammatory properties. Topical antihistamines and/or calamine lotion also can help reduce itching.

*Ron Kaspriske

Fitness Editor

Golf Digest*