Primary Pulmonary Hypertension News - Menu How Fans Can Achieve V.I.C.T.O.R.Y. with Their Health During the Big Game Medical News Keywords Carl Ross, Ph.D., C.R.N.P., professor of nursing at Robert Morris University’s School of Nursing and Allied Health, has compiled the following tips on ways that football fans in Pittsburgh, Seattle, and everywhere in between can achieve V.I.C.T.O.R.Y. with their health and safety during the coming week’s celebrations and on Super Sunday. Newswise — Fans celebrating the Pittsburgh Steelers’ recent AFC championship victory and first Super Bowl appearance in a decade will participate in many activities during the coming week, including pep rallies, parties, and, if they’re fortunate enough to have tickets to the game, perhaps a trip to Detroit. But along with this celebration come many important physical and psychological health issues. Carl Ross, Ph.D., C.R.N.P., professor of nursing at Robert Morris University’s (RMU) School of Nursing and Allied Health, has compiled the following tips on ways that football fans in Pittsburgh, Seattle, and everywhere in between can achieve V.I.C.T.O.R.Y. with their health and safety during the coming week’s celebrations and on Super Sunday. Violence: While you may be a fan of the winning team, keep in mind that there are also fans of the losing team, which in some situations can lead to violence. Know how to recognize violence and when to remove yourself from the situation. Some individuals may become uncontrolled during the ups and downs of the game, and may resort to throwing items, pushing others, or picking a fight. Be aware of your surroundings before, during, and after the game or celebration. And always know the quickest and easiest exit, whether you’re attending a party or actually sitting in Ford Field. Trust your instincts - if a situation or place makes you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, leave. Injury prevention: When in crowded areas, be alert to cigarettes to prevent burns. Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol! If you choose to drive to Detroit, use your seatbelt and drive at the appropriate speed limit. Prevent road accidents by stopping at the identified areas and not just along the road. If you experience car problems, lift the hood, lock your doors, and turn on your flashers; if someone stops, roll the window down slightly and ask the person to call the police or a tow service. Park in areas that will be well-lit when you return to your car. Always lock your car, both when you get in and when you get out. And look around your car and in the back seat before you get in. Cardiac health: When we are excited or anxious, our body produces chemicals that increase the work of the heart. Early signs of cardiac stress may include shortness of breath, perspiration, palpitations, an elevated heart beat, or not being able to complete a sentence when talking. If your symptoms worsen or you develop a discomfort that is often described as heaviness, squeezing tightness, a dull ache, or pressure in the chest, sit down and have a friend seek help immediately. If you have a known history of chest pain, have your medication available at all times during these exciting events. Team work: Always travel with a friend, and let him or her know of any health conditions you may have, as well as your specific treatment and individuals to contact in the case of an emergency. Have a plan to reunite if you become separated. Share cell phone numbers before the event and keep cell phones close. If the outcome of the game is not in your favor, you may experience a “let down” and need a friend with whom to talk. Oxygen: If you suffer from respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, be sure to have your inhaler available at all times. You may experience excess environmental triggers (such as smoke) at parties, tailgate activities, and during the game that may initiate a respiratory attack. If you’re attending the game, remember that the Super Bowl is being played in a large and perhaps unfamiliar city, so you may be exposed to environmental factors that can lead to an attack. The stress and excitement of experiencing the Super Bowl may also serve as a trigger, so be prepared in order to avoid having an attack (and missing part of the game!). Recreational substance abuse: Intoxication and certain drugs can make individuals more vulnerable to unwanted encounters by clouding their judgment, and may lead to increases in violence and poor decision making. Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. And be aware that the rate of injuries, particularly head injuries, related to falls triples when drugs or alcohol are involved. Your appetite: When attending parties, know what ingredients are in food to prevent a food allergy reaction. Many foods contain peanuts, peanut oils, or seafood, any of which may cause an allergic reaction. Attempt to select healthy food choices and not those high is carbohydrates and fats. To promote cardiac health, you may also need to increase your exercise during the next few weeks. Exercise has multiple benefits to both physical and mental health. Not only does exercise help burn off the extra calories that you may consume and increase the “good fat” in your body, but it also decreases stress and is a good way to release negative energy. Following these tips will help fans enjoy safe, fun and healthy celebrations in the weeks ahead. Remember that, in the end, it is still just a game, and certainly not worth doing anything to jeopardize your health or safety. Robert Morris University, founded in 1921, is located 17 miles from downtown Pittsburgh. A private, four-year institution with an enrollment of approximately 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the University offers more than 30 undergraduate degree programs and 18 master’s and doctoral degree programs. An estimated 22,000 alumni live and work in Western Pennsylvania. |