…As Over 200 Participants Take part in Fitness, Wellness Seminar in Edo
The need for sports stakeholders, particularly administrators and club owners to have Emergency plans and qualified medical personnel in place has been stressed.
The health plan and awareness advocacy were part of the summary of the papers delivered by Prof.Samuel M. Adodo, Professor of Exercise Physiology Kinanthropometry, Department of Human Kinetics and of Sports Science, Uniben and Dr. (Mrs) Susan O. Kubeyinje, Exercise Physiologist and Sports Physical Therapist, Asst. Director. Department of Physiotherapy, UBTH at a one-day seminar organised by Optimal Fitness and Wellness Group in collaboration with Western Iyamu Global Foundation,for sports stakeholders in Benin.
During the lecture at the media centre at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, the two health professionals emphasised on the importance of sports clubs,teams owners to have qualified and physically fit health personnel as well as giving priority to Emergency Response Plan so as to minimize and prevent cases of slumping and sudden deaths in the field of play.
Prof Adodo said the focus is on addressing cases of sudden death during games through awareness. He advised athletes to always know their health status and wellness before engaging in sporting activities.
Dr Kubeyinje on her part said” everybody in the sports industry has a role to play in ensuring prevention of sudden death”. According to her,in ensuring this,adequate and qualified medical personnel and Emergency plan must be in place. She added that players,athletes,coaches,managers and fans need to have at least the knowledge of CPR application and need not to wait for Doctors in any case of traumatic situations,saying that such emergency requires timely intervention.
On managing injuries of athletes, especially joint injuries Dr Kubeyinje also advised players and athletes to help themselves by complying with the advice and prescriptions by their physiotherapists. She stressed the importance of enough rest time for athletes which she said provides proper healing.
Over two hundred sports men and women, including coaches and administrators from across Edo state and beyon attended the health seminar which was in response to the disturbing cases of slumping and sudden death of players in the field of play in Nigeria.
In an interview, the Secretary general of Western Iyamu Global Foundation Foundation Comrade Kadiri Kassim said that the Foundation was moved by the unfortunate incident that led to sudden death of a footballer Christopher Edoghogho during Edo FA cup game,hence their decision to organise the seminar for sports stakeholders. He promised that his Foundation will ensure the seminar is organised quarterly.
