They’re ready for winter and a whole lot more, but even though the world’s top athletes are in great shape they’re still vulnerable to some of the aches and ailments that threaten the rest of us over the next few months.
Olympic athletes undoubtedly will welcome cold temperatures and snow, but when competing hard, coping with sprains and sore muscles, enduring both physical and mental stresses, and living in close quarters with hundreds of others, you can bet that cold and flu viruses are on their tail.
Though most have probably been offered protective flu shots during training, flu season actually peaks during February and March. And unexpected viruses may crop up (Canadians are currently coping with the norovirus — a nasty stomach flu that has whipped through daycare centres and schools in the last few weeks.)
Common colds (who hasn’t had at least one this winter?) are also more prevalent in winter than summer; and recent research from Cardiff University in Britain suggests that there really is a relationship between being chilled – something our athletes are bound to feel – and catching cold. Low outdoor temperatures and low indoor humidity – typical winter conditions in Canada -- have also been linked to the rapid spread of influenza viruses.
Seasons like this that make us reach for our favourite herbal or vitamin preventative. But given widespread fears of product contamination, which remedies our athletes will turn to is anybody’s guess: Remember when rower Silken Laumann was disqualified for testing positive for a drug contained in a cold medicine? To ensure its stability, Cold-FX, a ginseng based cold and flu remedy, went through extensive pretesting so that it could become the Olympics’ official cold and flu remedy.
Olympic athletes may look like they’re in top shape, but their joints and muscles are likely damaged by years of overwork: You can bet that injuries and sore muscles are part of everyday training. To treat them, 92 members from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and its subgroup Sports Physiotherapy Canada will be at the Vancouver Games to ensure that not only Canadian athletes are in top form but that also international athletes who have not brought their own physiotherapists can be treated if need be. Doctors who treat injuries will do so in a $4.5 million mobile medical unit funded by General Electric – an expanded tractor-trailer that can include 12 beds, triage and intensive care units, and an operating room. Everything from hot packs and cold compresses to free condoms will be showered on athletes and officials housed in the Vancouver and Whistler athletes’ villages.
Pumped by the performances we’ll see, we ordinary Canadians will probably take to the lesser slopes, hills and roads around us – running, skiing, tobogganing and fantasizing that we’re better than we actually are. The message to kids who see bobsledding and aerial snowboarding events and try to duplicate the runs on their neighborhood hills: Don’t!
Carol DeMatteo, a researcher from Hamilton’s McMaster University, found that common concussions, despite high profile hockey injuries and skiing deaths, are not being taken seriously enough. Saying the word “concussion” seems to be less alarming than saying “mild brain injury,” she notes. But despite the benign terminology, a concussion is actually a mild traumatic brain injury and should be treated as such. Some children with concussion are sent back to school too early and are allowed to play sports too soon after.
Adults who exercise outdoors should remember that cold weather can raise blood pressure; experts also warn against exercise-induced bronchial spasms, sometimes a result of underlying asthma. Tips for healthy winter running or walking include wearing merino wool socks, layering your clothes, and adding traction cleats to shoes for running on snow-covered sidewalks or trails.
Running or walking distances in cold weather can still cause dehydration, so drinking water is a must. And with the threat of frostbite ever present when there’s serious wind chill, gloves, balaclavas and sock liners should be part of winter exercise gear.
Need medical help?
If you’re in Vancouver for the Olympics and need medical services, best place to start is by going to the Olympics website. Go to www.vancouver2010.com and click on Spectator Guide, then go to Essential Contacts. You will find a list of hospitals and medical services ready to deal with casualties or emergencies.
Snow job
Even couch potatoes who merely watch this winter’s Olympics have to get outdoors to shovel snow. The combination of heavy lifting and cold weather can injure the back and shoulders while placing high stress on the heart. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, you can prevent injuries by:
Warming up your muscles first for 10 minutes with light exercise.
Pace yourself. Take frequent breaks and replenish fluids to prevent dehydration.
Use a shovel that is appropriate for your height and strength.
Push the snow rather than lifting it.
Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. This requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.
If using a snowblower, pay close attention to its instruction manual – especially remember never to stick your hands or feet in the snow blower even if snow becomes impacted in it.
