Success in sports comes is a result of a combination of factors such as regimented training and strict adherence to diet. More importantly it calls for total abstinence for vices that have a harmful effect on the body such as tobacco use. How does smoking affect the life of a sportsperson? Dr. George Mathews, Medical Officer, Sports Authority of India, Trivandrum explains, “One of the most important factors determining the stamina of the athlete is the ability of the lungs to absorb oxygen from the atmosphere. In smokers, this is impaired and they find themselves out of breath quicker than non-smokers.”
“Smoke being an irritant could lead to chronic cough and respiratory infections. Nicotine narrows blood vessels and affects cardiac function,” Dr. Mathews added.
Injury is the greatest bane of a sportsperson. Dr Mathews said, "Smoking results in weaker bones and tendons with an increased susceptibility to injuries. Once injured, a smoker would find it tougher to recover. Calcium and other nutrient absorption are also reduced.”
Shri U Vimal Kumar, National, French Open and Welsh International Open badminton champion from Kerala said, “At an impressionable age, children quickly imbibe whatever is done by parents and elders. A child gets the wrong message when seeing an elder person spit out tobacco from a car, bus or an auto rickshaw.”
“The lifestyle of parents and their mentors have a direct impact on children. It is important that parents keep away from smoking and use of other forms of tobacco if they have sporting aspirations for their child,” said Shri Kumar who is the Co-Founder, Director and Chief Coach of Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy.
Image courtesy: http://healthylifecarenews.com
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