Feeling Faint? Hypotension and Syncope: Mechanisms and Prevention

By Mary Boudreau Conover

A 25-year-old woman who was an Olympic rower competing in the single sculls event had experienced two episodes of syncope (transient loss of consciousness) immediately after a 2K time trial on a rowing ergometer. Alarmingly, especially for a single rower, she had warning signs while rowing on water that did not result in syncope. At the British Olympic Medical Centre, she also admitted to the same symptoms during medical and dental procedures. 

See the full article here.

Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)

By Mary Boudreau Conover

It is disappointing how many medical professionals are unable to make the diagnosis of PSVT and to differentiate between the two main causes, simply because they have not studied the mechanisms. This is about Sarah, who was seen and examined in an emergency tent while symptomatic during a triathlete competition and was never diagnosed! The point being, that a golden moment was missed when she was symptomatic because it is more difficult and sometimes impossible to make a definitive diagnosis with the ECG during sinus rhythm regarding the cause of PSVT unless there is an overt sign of pre- excitation.

For those reasons, this article is especially for the dedicated medical professionals who study hard and work smart under pressure during emergencies for better patient outcomes and for the medics who work in the emergency tents during athletic competitions. They can make a difference. They are Emergency Department Nurses and Physicians; Critical Care Nurses; Paramedic EMTs; and Fire Engine and Ladder Company personnel. 

See the full article here.​

Exercise Induced Nausea and Vomiting

By Mary Boudreau Conover

For over a decade at CrossFit, hurling has been unofficially viewed as somewhat of a badge of honor with a pet name, photos, and T-shirts to commemorate the event. However, vomiting is at least an abuse to the sensitive esophageal lining highly intolerant of acid baths and possibly, when a frequent event, causing inflammatory damage to that important sphincter separating the stomach from the esophagus. 

See the full article here.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

By Mary Boudreau Conover

Have you ever had chicken pox? If you are over 40 years of age, the answer is probably yes, which means that as you approach your 60's, and possibly before, you are at risk for herpes zoster (shingles, also known simply as "zoster").

As we age, our immune system weakens and we are more and more vulnerable to the infection. Even if you are nowhere near the age of risk, this information is for you and your older relatives and friends who may not be aware that there is a vaccine, Zostavax®, available in your physician's office or at participating pharmacies. Even if older adults do not remember having chicken pox, they should still get vaccinated. This is a really cruel disease! 

​See the full article here.

Multiple Sclerosis and CrossFit—One Man’s Journey

By Mary Boudreau Conover

Times are changing for people with multiple sclerosis (MS)! In the past, treatment was “rest to conserve strength” for necessary tasks. Now, a great deal of knowledge is being gathered showing the benefits of exercise in MS, not only for physical strength, but also for maintaining and improving cognitive functions. In fact, anything about the benefits of exercise and the risk of a sedentary life style that can be said of the normal, healthy human being can also be said of those with MS.

In robust health, young, old, in-between, on chemotherapy, on crutches, missing limbs,curling up with degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or struggling with a neuro-degenerative disease like multiple sclerosis, none are excluded from the benefits of exercise. No one. We are all eligible to partake and reap those benefits. 

See the full article here.