Marathon Death Toll Rises

You couldn’t have asked for more perfect conditions at yesterday’s Philadelphia Marathon. Past years have seen ice, rain, and chilly temperatures. Sunday in Philly was ideal. Many of you traveled to the city for your first 26.2 foot race. For others, it was a routine marathon or half marathon.

When I caught wind of two runners collapsing near the finish line, both of apparent heart attacks, my heart ached. One man was only 21 years old, the other 40. Last week a 32 year old man died moments after crossing the finish line at the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon in San Antonio. In October a 35 year old man died minutes after finishing the Chicago Marathon. Instances like these are certain to cause fear among the masses when it comes to arriving at a decision to run a marathon.

Should I or shouldn’t I?

It is very important to remember to schedule routine physical exams with your family doctor. While a young man or woman certainly wouldn’t think the worst when getting ready to toe the line at what has become such a popular race distance, stories like these are happening more often than we’d like to hear.

Are the problems these runners experienced due to running, or is this percentage more common than we realize based on the population? As the number of marathoners continues to climb from year to year, so does the number of potential conflicts in their physical conditions. Good health habits don’t simply begin by developing a workout routine. Good health also includes a good diet and routine doctor visits.

If you can’t remember the last time you visited your doctor for a routine examination, it’s time to schedule one. With the holiday season literally right around the corner, give yourself and your family the greatest gift you can possibly give: a perfect health report. This way you can start off 2012 on the right foot from the start.