Attend ST Run clinic to sidestep health risks, injuries

SINGAPORE - Participants in The Straits Times Run at the Hub can learn more about the risks and possible injuries associated with strenuous activities at a training clinic held at Mount Elizabeth Novena hospital next Saturday.

Cardiologist Dr Jeremy Chow and orthopaedic surgeon Dr Tan Ken Jin will be on site to share their expertise with participants of the run.

Since there is limited seating in the clinic, runners are encouraged to sign up for it early through The Straits Times Run at the Hub website (www.straitstimesrun.com).

The ST Run gives its 20,000 participants an opportunity to be the first to complete a run under the iconic dome of the new National Stadium.

At the clinic, Dr Chow will touch on certain exercises that can improve cardiovascular health.

He will also speak about the risk of cardiac arrest falling on people who participate in endurance events like distance running, and the various scans that can help identify the health risks and prevent mishaps from taking place.

"When people go for endurance events like running, they probably won't know if their bodies can take the stress of it until something bad like a cardiac arrest happens," said Dr Chow, 37.

"By sharing with them what I know, I hope to alert them to the possible dangers and prevent unfortunate incidents like collapsing at the finish line from happening."

Dr Tan will focus on various foot and shin injuries which are common ailments suffered by runners.

He will also touch on the impact injuries that people with high arches or flat feet may suffer from.

"Runners are very prone to injuries and pain affecting the feet and ankles, which can actually lead to discomfort in other parts of the body like the hips and spine," said Dr Tan, 37.

"By sharing with participants the kinds of pain and treatment available, I hope to educate them and better gauge if they should worry about the pain or discomfort that they may sustain during the run."

This article was first published on August 23, 2014.
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