As we are born to move, any person who dies while engaging in physical activity evoke an exaggerated emotional reaction, especially when the victim is a healthy, young individual like a sportsman. Did you know that cardiac arrest (heart attack) is responsible for 75% of sudden deaths on the sports field?

Sudden cardiac arrest, also known as Sudden Death Syndrome, has several causes and a thickening or an abnormal structure of the heart muscle, as well as irregularities of the electrical impulses that control the heart rhythm, are usually to blame. Thing is, underlying heart problems are not always known.

The link between heart attacks and exercise is clear. Another interesting stat: A Canadian study found that there was a six-fold increase in the risk of people suffering a heart attack in the week after being diagnosed with flu.

So, when is it acceptable to cheat on your fitness routine with a bowl of chicken soup in your pyjamas? Exercise can help to boost your body’s natural defences against illness and infection. Thirty minutes of regular exercise three to four times a week has been shown to raise immunity by raising levels of T- cells which are one of the body’s first defences against infection. Exercise may even help you to feel better by opening your nasal passages and temporarily relieving nasal congestion. However, intense 90 minute training sessions, can actually lower immunity.

A sore throat, achy muscles and a runny nose can make you miserable, but if you still have the energy to exercise, should you? According to Neil Schachter, MD of respiratory care at Mount Sinai Medical Centre in New York, it is okay to exercise if your symptoms are above the neck. This includes a sore throat, nasal congestion, sneezing and tearing eyes. If your symptoms are below the neck such as coughing, body aches, fever and fatigue; it’s time to hang up your running shoes until these symptoms subside.

For how long will you be side-lined? An uncomplicated cold in an adult should be gone in about seven days. A flu that develops complications such as bronchitis or sinusitis can last for up to two weeks. The symptoms of cough and congestion can linger for weeks if not treated.

In general, the flu, if uncomplicated can make you feel pretty rotten for up to two weeks. Healthy living during this time is key. Drink plenty of fluids, eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as lean meat.

Also, be sure to listen to your body. If you’re not feeling well, cut back on exercise by reducing your effort to 50% of your normal capacity, or take a few days off.

There’s no benefit to a heart pumping, calorie burning workout if your organs and tissues are depleted of their energy. Stop exercising if you feel breathless, experience chest discomfort, or feel overly breathless or tired.

Check with your doctor if you’re not sure when to resume your exercise routine after an illness.

Source: cosmopolitan.com, webmd.com, mayoclinic.org, marksdailyapple.com, mensfitness.com, womanshealthmag.com, abc.net.au, menshealth.com, healthline.com, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, myheart.or.sg, genesismedical.co.za   

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.