Last month, I took part in an adventure. One that took me on a trek across a part of one of the most beautiful deserts in the world, in Morocco. Not only did this event, the MDS Trek Morocco test my limits, it also enriched both my soul and my mind. The famous Marathon Des Sables will do that to you. The organisers had been right. Immersed in the heart of the Sahara, I experienced complete disconnection from the exhausting pace of the wired world in which we live.

It was tough. On one of the longest sections of the race, I struggled with hyperthermia, vomiting and dehydration. it wasn’t the best day that’s for sure. But I finished. It took me six hours, but I finished. The next day I knew I had to take a rest day, My body was in bad shape and if I pushed myself, I would have been in real trouble. So, I listened to my body. In the end, I did finish 4 out of the 5 days. I am very proud of that.

It gave me a greater physical and mental understanding of the patients I treat who relish these extreme adventures and races. The week’s workshops were on fasting, intermittent fasting, nutrition needs for adventurers on these races, the right mindset they need to train and compete, and how to maximise stamina through breath work. Armed with that learning and the experience of doing the race myself, I am looking forward to providing my clients with more informed chiropractic care.

If you want an adventure but aren’t an extreme sportsperson, Morocco is well worth exploring!

It’s almost Christmas! Today, as I write this, there are only 34 days left before we’re eating Christmas pudding and opening presents! Have you bought all the presents you need to buy? Have you thought of wearable wellness technology as potential gifts?

Wearable technology isn’t that new. After all, we were wearing spectacles in 1286, small watches as necklaces in the 1500s, pocket watches in the 1600s and in the late 1600s women were wearing wristwatches as bracelets. The first hearing aids were invented in the late 1800s, and in 1970 calculator watches made their debut.

Granted, the only wellness related technologies in that list were the spectacles and hearing aids. As technology becomes far more integrated into our daily lives, many companies such as, but not limited to, Apple, Garmin, Fitbit, LifeQ, and Polar etc., are bringing more and more wearable wellness-related technologies to the market.

I found that the technologies I wore, such as my Garmin Vivoactive 4S, Medtronic’s MiniMed 780G insulin pump, and my Guardian 4 CGM – a continuous glucose monitor, were all a great help keeping me aware of my body’s needs during my race in the Moroccan desert. I was able to streamline and adapt my performance and my output during the race because I had the necessary info at hand. if it wasn’t for the technology, I may not have taken the necessary day’s rest and may have injured myself.

Each athlete will need to choose the tech that best suits them and records and highlights data needed by them, their trainers, and their medical professionals.

The type of data that can be measured and provided include:

• Body composition, water levels, calories burned
• Blood pressure monitors
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements, and heart rate variability (HRV) analysis
• Temperature monitoring
• Comprehensive performance analysis and optimization
• Precision sleep tracking
• Injury prevention, rehabilitation, and recovery monitoring
• Energy, load management and stress levels
• Biochemical release
• Potential, impending seizures and the seizure data

Wellness Tip – Water Is The Best Tech

Did you know that…the best ‘tech’ you can have when you train is a filled water bottle?
Water makes up about 50% to 70% of your body weight. Your body depends on water to survive. Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to work properly. Water also lubricates and cushions joints and protects sensitive tissues. That’s very important for athletes. Lack of water can lead to dehydration. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired. Drink a glass of water: With each meal and between meals Before, during and after exercise If you feel thirsty!

Especially if you’re thirsty.

Yours in health,
Dr. Monica and Helen