- January 22, 2025
Almost half of Poles aged 18-50 are already physically active. Surveys show that most people begin their adventure with sport without first consulting a doctor and performing the necessary tests. This can have consequences for health. Every fifth active Pole has had to deal with pain, injury or overload during the last year. In such situations we usually treat ourselves, interrupting trainings and taking dietary supplements.
- Unfortunately, the health awareness of Poles who practice sport is low. Most people do not see a doctor until they experience stenocardial pain, unpleasant episodes during training, loss of consciousness or injuries or pain in the musculoskeletal system. Many of these problems can be avoided," says Dr. Łukasz Luboiński, head of Carolina Medical Center.
According to the report "Sports activity of Poles" conducted last year by TNS Polska and LUX MED Group, 44% of Poles practice sports, but only 19% of the respondents underwent heart tests, and only 6% consulted a sports medicine physician before starting physical activity.
Meanwhile, specialists warn that some illnesses may be a contraindication to practicing disciplines requiring intensive physical effort. Especially people with cardiovascular or locomotor system diseases, hypertension, diabetes or advanced asthma should consult a doctor and perform the necessary tests before they start playing sports.
- In some people there is an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, as well as an increased risk of injury or overload injuries. That's why everyone who regularly plays sports and thinks about taking part in marathons or other sporting events may sooner or later need the help of a doctor. It is better for them to look for this help even before a health problem occurs," emphasizes Łukasz Luboiński, PhD.
The TNS Polska and LUX MED Group survey shows that more than half of Poles who practice sport (54%) rely solely on their knowledge and experience. At the same time, one in five had to deal with pain, injury, injury or physical exhaustion during the last year. In such a situation, 30 percent interrupts the training until they disappear, and every fourth person takes dietary supplements. Only 34% of the respondents decide to consult a doctor in case of ailments.
According to Robert Korzeniowski, the four-time Olympic champion, a sports doctor can not only determine the predispositions for practicing a given sport or help in case of an injury, but not less than a trainer can advise in terms of diet or intensity of training.
- At least once a year we should consult a sports doctor, as he can advise on nutrition or adjusting training to our abilities. In addition, amateur athletes, especially if they compete in competitions, should be examined and regularly undergo a health check. The exercise test is very important, because only a cardiologist is able to check how the athlete's heart reacts to the effort. The basic laboratory diagnostics of blood also speaks a lot about the state of health - points out Robert Korzeniowski, manager of the "Medicine for Sport and Active People" programme of the LUX MED Group.
Along with the increase in the activity of Poles, the demand for medical services among amateur sportsmen and sportswomen is growing.
The LUX MED Group, the Main Medical Partner of the Polish Olympic Committee, wants to improve access to specialist care of sports doctors. Through the Warsaw orthopaedic hospital Carolina Medical Center develops sports medicine centres all over Poland.
- Carolina Medical Center branches are already operating in Rzeszów, Kraków, Wrocław, Poznań and Gdańsk. We have teams of orthopaedists and sports medicine specialists' practitioners everywhere. In CMC branches you can obtain sports and medical certificates, advice in the field of sports medicine, follow the rehabilitation path, and if necessary, also a surgical path - explains Robert Korzeniowski.
In addition, the LUX MED Group monitors the health of children, young people and adults who want to start playing sports regularly at 21 regional sports medical centres.
