Benefits of running outweigh risks!

Recently, there has been a spate of deaths regionally among participants in long-distance events resulting in many persons questioning the health benefits of long-distance running. Participants between the ages of 25 and 65 years have died while participating in 5Ks to half-marathons.

Deaths during these events are relatively rare, and the risks of sudden death during these events are very small, according to the American College of Cardiology. Thus benefits of long distance running seem to outweigh its risks. Interestingly, the oldest marathon runner to complete the distance, which is more than 26 miles, is 100 years old, and he started running the marathon at age 89.

So, as more of us venture into long-distance and ultra-endurance activities, it is prudent to ensure that our safety is not compromised. It is relatively safe for persons under 45 years old, who appear to be healthy, to exercise without medical clearance. However, their cardiovascular system's response to intense physical activity cannot be guaranteed. Such persons could experience irregular heartbeat, chest pain and shortness of breath.

Medical clearance

Medical clearance is a standard requirement for participation in some organised physical activity. This is necessary because of persons who have undiagnosed health problems and some of these problems can only be detected when persons are subjected to a battery of stress testing. One of the most serious undiagnosed problem is heart disease in young persons which could be genetic or congenital heart disorder. This could be fatal when the individual participates in intense physical activity.

Persons who do not have any known symptoms of disease can start an exercise programme as long as it commences at a low intensity and progresses gradually. This should be complemented by noting any irregular reactions you experience because of the physical activities.

Low-intensity activities can be assessed by a physical activity readiness questionnaire which will indicate if there is need for further medical investigation. The state of readiness will identify how the participant could benefit from participation in this level of activity as well.

High-intensity activities

Persons getting involved in high-intensity activities require a more rigorous health-risk appraisal. A health status questionnaire will provide a definitive assessment of one's limitations and activity restrictions. It will also help determine if medical evaluation or diagnostic exercise testing is necessary to validate the existence of metabolic diseases. If signs or symptoms of metabolic diseases are present, medical clearance should be obtained before the commencement of an intense activity.

If you have heart disease or risk factors of heart disease or stroke, seek medical advice before you embark on long-distance activities. Some persons will need to begin their workout under medical supervision. At-risk individuals need to be aware of any symptoms warning of harmful complication, especially during exercise.

Ideally, a stress test is used to determine the risks of a heart problem occurring. Therefore, one who has a heart condition or history of heart disease should have a stress test before starting an exercise programme and, more so, long-distance running.

Dr Kenneth Gardner is an exercise physiologist at Holiday Hills Research Center; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.