The Bali 10 K Marathon Race was a spectacular event indeed,
however the sight that I witnessed one day before the event
was a disturbing sight indeed. Two young men jogging along
side the bypass in the mid-morning heat. Why was this so disturbing?
Because the two young men in question were not more than 5
and 6 years of age at a push. Even more disturbing was their
trainer (the father I assume), who had opted for the comfort
of a motorbike and was riding along side of them. Surely this
man did not expect these two boys to go the 10 kilometer distance
the next day? What trophy or claim to fame could be worth
pushing these two young boys beyond the physical capabilities
of their years?
Why then are these mini-machos physically incapable of such
feats? While they may look like us, walk like us, talk like
us, and in some cases may be our own offspring, they are not
mini adults, and should not be treated as such. As a general
rule, children under the age of 9 years old should not compete
in marathon events.
Lets have a brief look at how these youngsters differ from
adult athletes, and why they cannot cope with the enormous
strain of a marathon.
1. Children do not have the psychological and emotional maturity
to compete in marathon events. They are unable to focus and
concentrate on the goals that are set for them.
2. Due to the underdeveloped muscle and bone structure they
have a higher rate of musculo-skeletal injuries.
3. They lack the physical strength required for marathon events.
4. Children have much greater difficulty in maintaining body
temperature (thermoregulation) in heat stressful conditions.
There are several reasons for this.
Children sweat less (therefore hold in heat) as they have
less sweat glands in any given area; the sweat glands have
smaller capacity, and a lower sensitivity to heat.
Children use more energy to perform one given movement than
adults do (higher metabolic rate) therefore they produce more
heat.
Children have a much smaller blood volume that adults, therefore
will dehydrate by losing much smaller amounts of fluids than
adults.
Children have a larger surface area to body mass ratio (more
skin less body weight) therefore a greater evaporative fluid
loss than adults.
Overheating can send any athlete into a crisis, and as you
can see by the above factors children are up for an even greater
challenge. Heat related injuries occur in three stages.
1. Heat cramps – The mildest form of overheating is
characterized by severe cramping. Caused by heat, dehydration
and poor conditioning. Treated with rest, fluids and cool
surroundings this condition quickly resolves.
2. Heat exhaustion – Symptoms include cool clammy skin
with a weak rapid pulse. The mouth is dry, with nausea and
sometimes vomiting. The child is weak, dizzy and may complain
of a headache. This is a result of excessive heat and inadequate
fluid intake. The body temperature may be low, normal or slightly
elevated. This condition takes time to develop. Take for example
a child who trains heavily every evening after school, but
does not adequately re-hydrate after each session. On Saturday
morning the child collapses after what seems to be only light
activity. The child has become de-hydrated (heat exhausted)
as result of the previous training sessions. Heat exhaustion
is also treated with fluids, rest and a cool environment,
and extra care taken for recuperation and re-hydration at
future training sessions.
3. Heat stroke – Heat stroke is a very serious condition
that can cause death or permanent injury (brain, kidneys).
The victim has a very high temperature with hot, red, dry
skin. The sweating mechanism fails, the pulse is weak and
rapid and there is an altered mental state (confusion, convulsions,
coma). HEAT STROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Call for medical
assistance and cool the victim down as quickly as you can.
Do not give oral fluids if they are convulsing or unconscious.
To ensure that your young athlete (or even yourself for that
matter) does not fall victim to heat stress related injury
take these simple precautions.
1. Ensure that your child is well hydrated before, during
and after any sporting event (it is a common misconception
that swimmers do not need the hydration quantities that dry
land athletes do. Swimmers still perspire just as much as
other athletes it’s just that you cannot see it!).
2. Child athletes require MORE fluids than adult athletes
do, because they LOSE MORE fluids.
Children perspire more during physical activity.
Children have a smaller fluid reserve than adults, there for
become dehydrated with a much smaller fluid loss.
3. Sports Medicine authorities recommend the following re-hydration
regime for young athletes.
Pre-exercise hydration of 600mls of fluid 30 minutes to one
hour before an event.
Frequent fluids during exercise. 150 – 200 mls every
20 minutes.
Approximately 500 mls of fluid immediately following the event.
Studies have shown that sports drinks such as Gatorade, Pocari
Sweat, are by far a superior re-hydration fluid for athletes.
It is recommended that at least the pre and post event drinks
consist of one of these electrolyte replacement formulas.
Please remember that thirst is a late sign of fluid loss.
IF YOU FEEL THIRSTY YOU HAVE LEFT IT TOO LATE! Re-hydrate
before you feel thirsty.
4. Exercise in the cooler time of day (early morning, late
afternoon), and wear cool, light clothing.
It’s always a good idea to wear a sun-block, and a
hat if possible. With all this taken on board and a good dose
of common sense you should have shining young athletes (not
too youngof course!) in tip-top condition.
That’s all for this edition, and if anyone sees the
man on the motorcycle training the two mini-me’s tell
him to get off his motorcycle and jog with the boys. They
probably won’t have to jog very far before the dad gets
heat cramps!
Kim Patra is a qualified Registered Nurse / Midwife, and
mother of three, who has been living and working in Bali for
past 15 years. She has assisted many traveller (... and others)
either as a flying medical escort or just a voice on the end
of the phone! Kim is happy to discuss any health concerns
that your may have. Her e-mail contact is info@chcbali.com
