L-R: Cassandra Hart, Unit Secretary, Doctors Hospital Emergency Room; Brian Moodie, President, Sunshine Insurance; Charles Sealy, CEO, Doctors Hospital; and Michele Rassin, VP Operations, Doctors Hospital.

Nassau, Bahamas - Given the fact that we work and live in such beautiful surroundings everyday, we tend to take for granted the reasons millions of tourist visit our shores each year. The Sunshine Insurance Marathon Bahamas road race next weekend is set to stage sports tourism at its best with a unique marathon that is ‘rich in culture and surrounded by panoramic views of the ocean, flora and island life.’

With all proceeds from the race being donated to The Cancer Society of the Bahamas, The Sister Sister Breast Cancer organization, the Breast Cancer Institute, and the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, Marathon Bahamas and the Susan G. Komen Race for the cure will significantly impact the health of Bahamians in the areas of breast cancer and women’s health issues. In addition, it benefits our tourism market, with hundreds of runners and their families travelling to the Bahamas to participate. Susan G. Komen is the global leader of the breast cancer movement and the world’s largest network of breast cancer survivors and activists.

Marathon Bahamas will bring together runners and walkers from around the world, including club runners, national standard runners, tourist runners, charity runners, and elite runners to experience the Bahamas. Presently, hundreds of participants have already registered from across the globe as well as locally.

At the center of this weekend of events is a marathon, half marathon, a relay, the 5K Bahamas Race for a Cure, and an Expo which is open to the public featuring seminars, free screenings, healthy lifestyle demonstrations, products and product sampling, the latest in running gear, a large selection of ‘official’ Marathon Bahamas merchandize, food and nutritional items.

To coordinate an exciting weekend event of this caliber and magnitude, the Board of Directors for Marathon Bahamas and its major sponsor, Sunshine Insurance, called on corporate partners to assist.Doctors Hospital, whose second year involvement displays their serious commitment to the Bahamian community and support of the fight against Breast Cancer, recently presented Marathon Bahamas with a check to assist with organizational expenses.

At the recent check presentation, Mr. Brian Moodie, President of Sunshine Insurance Marathon Bahamas announced the company’s pleasure with Doctors Hospital’s continued commitment to health in the Bahamas and support of Marathon Bahamas. “Sunshine Insurance Marathon Bahamas is very appreciative of the support Doctors Hospital continues to give to this event. This support is not only financial, but also logistical in the form of medical expertise, to ensure the safety of our participants - our number one priority.”

As the leading healthcare provider in the country, the organizers are pleased to note that Doctors Hospital will be responsible for the core Medical Team for Marathon Bahamas under the leadership of Dr. Beverton Moxey, and Dr. Kathryn deSouza, consultant physicians at Doctors Hospital. The Hospital will be providing medical teams at each medical station, and medical supplies, assisting with first aid care along the race route as well as supplying medical volunteers from the Hospital and ambulance services.

With a 6 a.m. start on the oceanfront, runners will travel east through historic downtown Nassau into the sunrise, over the Bridge to Paradise Island, returning onto Shirley Street before enjoying the northern shore tour of Cable Beach and returning to finish at Arawak Cay, the most beautiful route any runner could ask for! Fluid and entertainment stations are set up throughout the length of the course—as are spectator/cheering stations. Applications and registration is available at Sunshine Insurance offices on Shirley Street and Blue Hill Road, or for more information visit www.marathonbahamas.com.

Participants and spectators are encouraged not to miss this exciting event. The Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure is an opportunity for people of all ages to participate in the fun run walk and celebrate survivorship, remember those we have lost to the disease and make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. By participating in this event, you will raise awareness about a health issue that affects thousands of women in The Bahamas and help make a difference in how breast cancer is understood, diagnosed and treated. One hundred percent of the money raised by the Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure will remain in The Bahamas to fund breast cancer programs and research.

Sunshine Insurance Marathon Bahamas, the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure and Doctors Hospital encourages teams from all walks of life including corporate Bahamas, religious organizations, families and friends to support this worthy cause and participate in the events.

Below is some useful medical information for persons participating in the Marathon and Komen Race for the Cure:

Marathon Bahamas Medical Information

What You Need to Know About Fluid Intake

· Drink enough fluids before the race until you notice that your urine is either clear or light yellow in color. This will ensure that you are adequately hydrated

· During the race replace your electrolytes with fluids such as Gatorade at every other stop.

· Limit fluids to 4-6 ounces (one cup) every 20 minutes during the race. Resist the tendency to over-drink as this can lead to fluid overload and hyponatremia.

Tips for Race Day

· Avoid taking any product with Ephedra in it because it can raise your core body temperature and increases your risk of developing hyperthermia or heat illness.

· Avoid taking cold medicines, sinus medications, and caffeine prior to your race. These can cause you to urinate more frequently causing dehydration and they increase your heart rate and blood pressure. You may resume these after your race.

· Check your urine within the hour before the start of the race. If you notice that your urine is dark or tea colored this indicates that you are not adequately hydrated and you should drink a cup of water.

· Nausea and or Vomiting can be a sign of dehydration or over-hydration and electrolyte imbalance. Proceed directly to the nearest medical aid station on the course.

· If you experience dizziness, confusion, loss of peripheral vision or a general tingling sensation find a course volunteer and ask for assistance immediately.

· Listen to the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Make sure your shoes and clothes are appropriate for the event.

· Skin in high friction areas (nipples, thighs, armpits etc) should be well lubricated with a non water soluble lubricant such as Vaseline petroleum jelly.

· If you develop Chest Pain stop all activity and ask another participant to assist you with locating a course volunteer or medical personnel immediately.

After Race Tips

· Keep moving! Don’t sit down immediately following your race. If you sit or relax too soon, blood can pool in your legs and cause you to feel lightheaded and even faint.

· Stretch but don’t overdo it. The focus should be on recovery and not increased flexibility

· Change clothes. Dry clothing will help you regulate your core body temperature.

· Drink fluids immediately after your race.

· Eat about 30 minutes to one hour after your finish time. Make sure these foods are high in carbohydrates and proteins. Examples include an egg or turkey sandwich, chocolate, milk or a banana which is high in complex carbohydrates and potassium. Another excellent food option is chicken noodle soup or chicken broth which is high in proteins, complex carbohydrates and electrolytes but does not have simple sugars which are abundant in sports drinks.

· Take a cold shower or bath. This will help reduce inflammation in your muscles and reduce any soreness.

Pain Relievers / Supplements

· Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Advil and Aspirin because they may be harmful to your kidney function if taken within 24 hours prior to running.

· Recent medical research has shown that NSAIDS can increase your risk of developing hyponatremia while running long distances by decreasing blood flow to the kidneys and interfering with a hormone that helps the body retain salt.

· If pain medications are needed within twelve hours leading up to the start of the race and within six hours post race Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Paracetamol (Panadol) has been shown to be safe.

· Avoid Narcotics and any pain medications stronger than Tylenol or Panadol as these can affect your performance and mental status.

· Vitamin supplements A, C and E can change the color of your urine so be wary of your hydration status if you plan to take these.

We are excited to have you join us on our inaugural race. The medical team is here to help and on race day we will be located at medical aid stations throughout the course and at the finish line medical tent. Please help us assist you by completing the information about your medical history on the back of your bib that contains your race number. Tell your family members your race number so that they will be able to find you in the event you need medical care. We encourage you to run responsibly and don’t be afraid to ask for help.