Medical advice to follow before taking on a marathon

Lenmed Private Hospital’s Dr Sithokozile Pilson, along with a team of nurses and paramedics, gave medical assistance at the West Rand Marathon, which took place recently, to ensure the runners’ well-being.

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Pilson gave a few important details every runner should know when taking on a marathon.

She explained that the duties of emergency personnel at the marathon were to anticipate and intervene in any medical emergency.

Our concern was to get people to complete the race without any medical emergency, morbidity or mortality,” said Pilson.

She noted they had an ambulance at the race as well as a triage station with four beds set up. There were also three medical personnel stationed at the finish line who had an emergency backpack with necessities, an oxygen cylinder and a stretcher.

Pilson further noted that some of the health risks involved with running a marathon, which people should be aware of, are both environmental and personal risks. The environmental risks include injuries that one could sustain from a sandy terrain, tree branches and roots, insect or snake bites, sunburn and hypothermia. The personal risks include open and closed fractures, stress fractures and dislocations, anaphylactic shock, paralysis and obstruction in the airways, bleeding, pain, dehydration and seizures.

She noted that luckily they did not have any serious or life-threatening cases; they did, however, encounter a few people with muscle cramps and the exacerbation of old injuries. They were able to assist the runners and advise them accordingly.

Pilson continued that proper preparation for a marathon is crucial. This entails education and awareness, managing old injuries and a medical exam might be required. People with chronic illnesses should take the necessary steps in case an emergency might arise while running, which also includes medical professional beforehand. Further runners should eat and drink an adequate amount. Making use of the correct running apparel is also part of the preventative measures.

Every runner, whether they are professional runners or not, should take the correct measures needed to reap the benefits and make the marathon a positive experience,” Pilson concluded.