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Countdown: 12 days to go - Medical advices and important to do’s for participants at the 39th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON

2012-09-18

The medical care at the 39th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON is one of the important tasks of a perfectly organized event. The standard of medical care at the BMW BERLIN MARATHON meets the highest international standard. To maintain this high standard, each year about 680 rescue workers protect the whole course. They cover a vast network of stationary accident assistant stations and ambulant emergency services. "Through a comprehensive quality management and continuous analysis of black spots, weather conditions and peak loads, we ensure the best allocation of paramedics and doctors," says Medical Director Prof. Lars Brechtel.

In order to treat only minor ailments such as blisters, the medical team of the BMW BERLIN MARATHON emphasis the importance of the education and prevention of the participants. It is important that everyone listens to, and only to the starting line is, if he is healthy.

"Some incidents could be avoided if the participants knew more about their bodies and would take warning signs in advance more serious," says Prof. Brechtel. That also means, that some runners and skaters should not get to the start line because of their health. "Runners often think they are per se healthy because of their activity. This is not true and can have extreme consequences. It starts with colds and infections and can last in a cardiovascular disease, "says Brechtel. Still not enough participants do screenings and pre sports check-ups. “We hope that the athletes will see this kind of “TÜV” eventually as something profitable for themselves”, so the Medical Director of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON.

Participants can also help to avoid counteracts or reduce the potential of incidents. Here are some participants tips on what they should note for the 39^th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON:

The use of analgesics is taboo within 48 hours before and at least 8 hours after the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON as diclofenac, ibuprofen etc. can affect the function of the kidney during the race, up to the temporary kidney failure and serious cardiovascular problems.

Wearing new shoes is not recommended - the competition shoes should be used at least two months before.

Toes, nipples, armpits etc. should be covered with vaseline in advance, deer talk or Bepanthen or sealed.

Please try out bars, gels etc. beforehand, otherwise stomach problems could occur. Inform yourself here

You should drink the right amount, both too much and too little may reduce performance and cause problems during the race. Two hours before the start you should drink at least 0.5 liters of water or sports drink, another half a liter an hour before the start. During the race, approximately every 15-20 minutes you should drink one cup (150ml) of water. Again: No experiments with previously untested drinks! Iced drinks or caffeinated products lead to dehydration (fluid loss) and are therefore taboo.

Too much fluid can cause an extreme sodium depletion, which may be associated with serious health problems.

Stopping behind the finish should be avoided. It is recommended to walk slowly for at least 15 minutes otherwise nausea, vomiting or collapse can occur. Furthermore, the legs should be put upright, carbohydrate-rich food should been eaten and over the rest of the day it is recommend to drink a lot. Alcohol should be avoided. The regenerative capacity of the body could be improved in this way! But beware: Until full recovery the body needs about six weeks. During this time, long runs and high intensities should be avoided.