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Health Conditions

Let's learn about common health conditions

It is useful to share with the Centre if your child has any long term health conditions which might benefit from a Whole-of-Centre approach.  

Asthma 

Asthma is a long term condition that is caused by narrowing of the airways and means that athletes may experience trouble breathing and coughing.  

Most asthma is well controlled with medication and athletes can have an asthma action plan.  

Call 000 immediately if you notice symptoms of a severe asthma attack.  

It is important to be aware of infection control and encourage all members to wash hands and not attend when sick.  

Cancer 

Symptoms of cancer or effects of treatment very widely depending on the type of cancer.  

Athletes may miss sessions because of treatment.  

The functional impacts might affect the athlete’s movement, learning, communication and emotions.  

It is important to be aware of infection control and encourage all members to wash hands and not attend when sick.  

Diabetes 

Diabetes is a long term condition in which a high level of glucose (sugar) is present in the bloodstream because the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the body is resistant to insulin.  

Most diabetes is well controlled and athletes can have an diabetes action plan which must be followed.  

Being active helps the body to use insulin more efficiently and helps manage diabetes by balancing insulin, food and activity.  

Exercise may cause blood sugar levels to drop so watch for symptoms such as - shakiness, clammy skin, pale skin, sleepy, dizzy, weak, unsteady walking or confusion.   

Epilepsy 

Epilepsy is when people have or are at risk of having repeated seizures without a reason due to electrical activity in the brain being disturbed. 

Most epilepsy is well controlled with medication and athletes can have an epilepsy action plan which must be followed.  

Exercise and heat may increase the chance of a seizure so watch for symptoms such as – muscle twitching, numbness, weakness, difficulty talking or thinking, atypical behaviour. 

Should an unexpected seizure occur, always call an ambulance.  

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis 

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own cells and tissues. It can cause ongoing joint pain, swelling and stiffness. 

Regular exercise helps to keep the athlete’s muscles strong and flexible. 

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited condition that affects mainly the lungs and digestive system. 

Athletes with Cystic Fibrosis may be short of breath when running and may cough more often. 

Athletes with Cystic Fibrosis benefit greatly from running and jumping to enhance their lung therapy and for the strength and stretching when throwing.  

It is important to be aware of infection control and encourage all members to wash hands and not attend when sick.

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