Being physically fit is an important part of being an athlete, but looking fit does not always mean that everything is fine with your health. Athletes, coaches, sports administrators, and everyone involved in sporting activities need to pay close attention to health and safety both on and off the field.

From protecting the spine and learning life-saving CPR, to having adequate HMO or health insurance coverage and regularly checking your blood pressure, proper health awareness should be considered an important part of sports preparation.

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Spine Pain: Don’t Ignore The Warning Signs

Back and spine pain can affect athletes in almost every sport. Running, jumping, tackling, lifting weights, sudden twisting movements and repeated physical stress can place significant strain on the back.

Poor posture, incorrect training techniques, overtraining and injuries can also contribute to neck, middle-back and lower-back pain.

Athletes should pay attention to persistent pain, stiffness, weakness, numbness or pain that travels into an arm or leg. These symptoms should not simply be ignored or repeatedly covered up with pain medication.

Proper warm-ups, good technique, adequate recovery, appropriate strength and conditioning, and early assessment of injuries can help athletes protect their backs and continue participating safely.

CPR: A Skill That Can Save A Life

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure that can help keep blood circulating when someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

A medical emergency can happen anywhere — during training, in a stadium, at the gym or even away from sport. Athletes, coaches and other team personnel should therefore be encouraged to receive recognised CPR and first-aid training.

When someone suddenly collapses and is unresponsive and not breathing normally, emergency medical assistance should be called immediately. CPR should be started when appropriate, and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) should be used as soon as one is available.

Every sports facility should have a clear emergency action plan. Team members should know where the AED and first-aid equipment are located and who is responsible for responding during an emergency.

Knowing CPR is not just a useful sporting skill — it is a life skill.

Every Sports Team Needs HMO And Health Coverage

Injuries and medical emergencies can happen unexpectedly. Treatment may involve hospital care, diagnostic tests, medication, physiotherapy, specialist consultation or rehabilitation.

This makes HMO and health insurance coverage an important consideration for athletes and sports organisations.

Athletes should know whether they are covered, what their health plan provides, which hospitals and healthcare facilities they can use, and what procedure to follow when they require emergency or routine medical treatment.

Teams should also ensure that athletes understand their health benefits instead of waiting until an injury occurs before asking questions about medical coverage.

Having access to healthcare can help athletes receive appropriate assessment and treatment when it is needed.

Know Your Numbers: Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly

You may be strong. You may be fast. You may train every day. But do you know your blood pressure numbers?

Blood pressure is an important health measurement, including for physically active people.

It is recorded using two numbers: the systolic pressure, which is the upper number, and the diastolic pressure, which is the lower number.

Athletes should consider blood-pressure checks as part of appropriate routine health monitoring. A single unusual reading does not necessarily mean that someone has hypertension because exercise, stress, caffeine and other factors can temporarily affect blood pressure.

For a more useful measurement, blood pressure should be checked correctly while rested, and unusual readings should be repeated and discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.

Don’t wait until you feel sick before paying attention to your health.

Know your body. Know your blood pressure. Know your numbers.

Health Is Part Of Performance

Sports should not only be about trophies, medals and winning competitions. Protecting the health and lives of athletes must remain a priority.

Athletes need to understand their bodies and recognise when something is wrong. Coaches and sports organisations also have an important responsibility to promote safe training environments, emergency preparedness and access to appropriate healthcare.

The message is simple: Protect your spine. Learn CPR. Know where the AED is. Understand your HMO and health coverage. Check your blood pressure regularly. Know your numbers.

Because before an athlete can perform at their best, they must first take care of their health.

For enquires/Consultation
Call: Dr Kolade Kolapo
+234-7032088130