TEAM: With the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China fast approaching, athletes are taking every measure to ensure they are fighting fit for the start of competition.
While high heat, humidity and pollution lay ahead of the athletes, the medical staff for the Australian Youth Olympic Team are confident nothing will stand in the way of our medal hopes.
Following her experience at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Dr Carolyn Broderick, Medical Director for the Australian Youth Olympic Team, is wary of the risks and says there are areas where athletes should be cautious.
In preparation for the Games, Australia's athletes will be given advice regarding food hygiene and other pre-emptive measures to reduce the risk of contracting infectious illnesses. Preventative measures such as isolating athletes may be used to eliminate the transmission of any illness within the Australian Team.
“We need to emphasise the importance of early reporting of symptoms in this population to prevent serious illness or injury,” Dr Broderick explained.
Prior to the Games, there will be a mandatory health screening for all athletes and officials to ensure the entire team is ready for Nanjing.
All athletes will be given health packs that include items such as water purification tablets, insect repellent, paracetamol and zinc and vitamin C tablets.
Providing athletes with the tools to prevent illnesses can only get them so far, especially when it comes to health issues, knowledge is power.
“More education regarding the prevention of infectious illness is required, as many of these athletes will not have travelled to China before,” Dr Broderick said, citing ongoing communication and the Team's pre-departure Camp in Sydney as key opportunities to help keep the Aussies healthy.
“With all teams living in close proximity for a period of two-to-three weeks we plan for infectious illnesses such as upper respiratory tract infections and gastroenteritis.”
The second Summer Youth Olympic Games will take place in Nanjing, China from August 16-28.
Sam Rawlings
olympics.com.au
@AUSOlympicTeam
