Chances are if you’ve spent much time in the world of sports, you’ve heard the phrases, “I’ve got terrible ankles,” “I sprained my ankle again,” or my personal favourite, “oh it’s just an ankle sprain.” Have you ever wondered how one of the most common injuries in sport has come to be, or why they rarely seem to be taken seriously? To better understand injuries around the ankle, it’s important to understand the anatomy of the area and what makes the ankle so injury prone. In the foot and ankle, there are 26 bones, plus the two...
With the Government of Canada's move to legalize cannabis it is important to remember that the status of cannabis in sport for athletes subject to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP) has not changed. Cannabis continues to be a prohibited substance and a positive test can still result in a sanction. The CADP adheres to WADA’s Prohibited List , which is an international standard under the World Anti-Doping Code. So, despite Canada’s position on cannabis, the global anti-doping community has maintained cannabis on the Prohibited List. Cannabis is just one of many substances...
It’s no secret that the female body requires different levels of energy and nutrients to meet the demands of sport. This is especially true for young females who start their training during their development years. When these energy and nutrition demands aren’t met, females are also at risk for unique health concerns. There are three in particular that can be seen in females undergoing rigorous training and competition: 1) delayed or irregular menstruation, 2) bony stress injury, and 3) disordered eating. These three conditions are referred to as Relative Energy in Sport (RED-S)...
SportMedBC Members are invited to submit an abstract of original research for consideration for presentation at The Scientific Program of CASEM’s annual Sports Medicine Symposium (16 to 18 May 2019) at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver, BC. You are invited to submit an abstract of original research for consideration for poster and podium presentation. Research in all topics related to the clinical practice of Sport and Exercise Medicine will be considered including: • Exercise Medicine • Sport Epidemiology • Sport Injury Prevention • Sport Injury Treatment and...
If your car’s front end is out of alignment, the tires wear differently and, at certain speeds, the steering wheel wobbles. Not only do the same rules apply to the human body but these problems can significantly hinder you in your daily life. So, what can be done? The mechanic wouldn’t change your tires without fixing the alignment issue. Similarly, the symptoms and syndromes that result due to misalignment need to be viewed as an indication of a more central problem. In other words, the root cause needs to be addressed or your “tires” will continue to wear unevenly...
SportMedBC, in collaboration with the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council, is proud to announce the release of a new HealthBeat video. Healthbeat is a health screening program designed for participants of the Aboriginal Healthy Living Activities (AHLA) to learn about their health and experience how physical activity is medicine. Featuring members from the Canim Lake Band, the Gitanmaax Elders Walking Club and staff from the Gitanmaax Health Centre, the HealthBeat video showcases the positive health effects of the AHLA programs. Special thanks to Media One for...
This fall, the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is conducting a province-wide engagement process that will result in a renewed provincial strategy for Indigenous sport, physical activity and recreation in BC. These Regional Engagement Sessions provide a critical forum for individuals, community leaders, organizations and stakeholders working in the areas of sport, recreation, physical activity, health, education, and youth programming. We invite you to come and lend your voice at one of our six regional sessions and help build a new vision for...
Are you wondering if changing your running technique can help with injuries? You’re not alone! This is definitely one of the most popular questions in the running community. If your hips, knees or shins have been bothering you for a while, perhaps modifying how you run can help ease the pain. Some tweaks may also help novice runners reduce injury risk, and make competitive runners cross the finish line faster. This post explains why cadence, impact and foot strike pattern are important when it comes to running technique. Cadence Cadence is the number of steps you are taking per minute...
Interested in hosting a 2019 SportMedBC InTraining Program and helping participants reach their Vancouver Sun Run goals? SportMedBC’s InTraining Program will help runners and walkers of any ability reach their fitness & health goals in a safe and supportive environment! The 13-week program, designed by RunWalk Coach, Olympian Lynn Kanuka, will gradually develop participants’ strength & stamina so that they can train injury-free for the 2019 Vancouver Sun Run. If you have a consistent meeting spot available, and 1-2 experienced runners/walkers who are willing to lead the...
Cyclists from around the world braved the elements to complete the ninth edition of the RBC GranFondo Whistler this past weekend. Voted North America’s Best Gran Fondo, this year again lived up to expectations with over 4,500 riders making the 122km trek from Stanley Park to Whistler along the iconic Sea to Sky Highway. The event had a true West Coast feel with spurts of sunshine, fog, wind, and (naturally) a little rain! Luckily, nothing could dampen the spirits of riders who celebrated their achievement with an after party in Whistler Plaza and musical performance by Nearly Neil and...
