Tragedies struck the running community as deaths from Manila and Cebu runners were reported. Is running still a safe sport?
Before engaging in an active lifestyle (especially for couch potatoes), make sure your bodies can handle the sudden stress. Running not only stresses your musculo-skeletal system but your cardio-pulmonary system as well. Your lungs and heart may not be strong enough.
If you are 35 years old and above, consult with your doctor regarding your plan to start running (or swimming, cycling, jogging or any endurance sport). Inform your physician if you had any chest pain, difficulty breathing, previous heart attacks or stroke, high blood pressure or diabetes mellitus in the past. Make sure you have your eyes and ears checked to make your runs safer. OR answer this questionnaire for your personal assessment.
If you answered yes to any of the questions, it is advisable to ask for a medical clearance before engaging in active sports like running. If you are more than 69 years old, ask for a clearance even if you answered no to any of the questions.
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Nice article indeed! I have met people who do not look "fit" at all to do marathons and still they push through with it. I hope that people would realize that doctors are still important in providing good coaching for sports activities. Though I have encountered some doctors who don't advise extreme sports either.
ReplyDeleteExcellent and helpful post. I only took my running a notch higher after I underwent an full executive check-up two years ago, complete with ECG, treadmill stress test, 2D Echo, x-rays - the works. Fortunately, the results revealed that I had "very little risk of coronary artery disease" and that I had "high exercise tolerance." I am preparing for BDM 102 right now, and will have to get medical clearance.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post, doc.
This is such great information that more people who want to get active later in life should pay attention to. You hear stories of people who start "living healthier" and start exercising, then drop dead. Some use this as an excuse to never get fit. Fitness is important but only to the level your body can handle at first.
ReplyDeleteThe University of the Philippines Industrial Engineering Club
ReplyDeleteCo-presented by REXONA
with Smart Communications, Clover Chips, Summit Mineral Water and 100 Plus
invite you to join
LUNTIRUN
Make every route greener!
on March 27, 2011
in Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang
Distances:
1.5km (for 12 years old and below)/ 3km / 6km / 12km
Registration fee:
1.5km – 300php // 3km – 350php // 6km – 400php // 12km – 450php
(RACE KIT includes: Event Singlet, Race bib and stub for 20% off on regular priced New Balance item)
UP Students may register at the UP IE Club Tambayan (3rd flr, Melchor Hall)
You may also register online at http://runnersrunner.com/luntirun
Check out our FACEBOOK page at http://facebook.com/luntirun
Other registration sites are:
-NEW BALANCE shops (Festival Mall, Alabang || Shangri-la Plaza) - Saturdays & Sundays only from 1-6:30pm,
- BIKE KING (Bonifacio High Street)
- SECONDWIND shops (45 Malingap St. Teachers Village, QC || Ortigas Home Depot, PASIG CITY)
- MJ46 Factory Outlet (Bicutan)
- The Village Sports Club (BF Homes Parañaque)
(Registration is until March 20 only!)
This event is for the benefit of the Isko Cleans UP, a project to implement solid waste management in the University of the Philippines – Diliman.
For inquiries, contact MIMI LUCAS at 09178158227 or email us at luntirun@gmail.com .