Good luck to anyone marathoning this weekend! And so the season of extreme physical challenges is upon us, often necessitating a medical sign-off. Winchester GP is happy to help, and because we're more than just as pretty signature ✍ here are a few top tips to make the process as simple and stress free as possible.
⏳ Check your timings!
Often the event organisers will stipulate a 'goldilocks' time window for the form - not too far in advance, but not so late that they can't process it in time. We recommend going for as early in that window as possible - just in case the process proves more complex than you anticipated (see below)
⚠️ Beware the 'it's just a few lines' form!
It's counterintuitive, but a long form with lots of specific questions about the state of your current health is often simpler to complete. Conversely, words to the effect of 'is this a good idea?' require more of an essay style answer, when the risk profile of a given activity is complex and wide ranging and that's before we consider the medical history of the participant! Fear not though- simply send us the form so that we can put together a sensible protocol.
📄 Gather your supporting documentation as soon as possible!
As well as assessing your current fitness, the form often asks about your medical history, such as vaccinations, any surgeries, major illnesses, allergies, psychiatric health etc. The NHS app doesn't always cover it, and if full notes are needed it can take a while. We will always help as much as possible with information gathering, with your consent of course.
🦉 Pay us for the medical advice, not the signature!
On one level, these forms are a liability limiting exercise demanded by the insurer of the event. But, at the risk of coming over all 'head prefect', they also exist because certain activities pose genuine health risks. Just because you haven't been to a doctor in years, doesn't mean you 'must' be OK to undertake them. By definition, the risks you aren't aware of are the, er.... riskiest! Our doctors love to say yes, but first and foremost, they want to keep you safe. So if, in our diligence, we uncover something that really should be resolved before you head off, (or that precludes the activity entirely) please don't shoot the messenger! And maybe consider cancellation insurance when you sign up, just in case ;-)
👩⚕️ Consider adding Wellness Screening to your training regime
We recommend wellness screening at least every 2 years for any patient over the age of 35 (annual if you prefer), even if you never attend the doctor in between. This gets you in to a proactive and preventative healthcare regime that can only support your training endeavours. It will also mean that there is a bank of data to demonstrate your overall wellbeing for such time as we need to answer one of those open ended forms for you. Think of it as saving two birds with one stone!