Hand Hygiene, Less Germs – More Glory!

Posted on 24 February 2019

Over the upcoming eight days of the 2020 Absa Cape Epic, the race’s reputation as one of the world’s most recognised extreme races will once again be put to the test. With conditions out on course often very dry and hot, pre-emptive measures to manage your health become even more important.

Dr Darren Green, Race Doctor to the Absa Cape Epic, believes that these conditions have the potential to negatively affect riders over such an extreme multi-stage race. With food stops positioned at different water points, it is a priority for riders to consider the impact of the dirt and dust on hand hygiene or wound care.

“A good hand wash or application of anti-bacterial hand sanitiser can actively pre-empt illnesses such as gastroenteritis. It is very important to decontaminate your hands frequently, especially before eating” explains Dr Green. He continues, “Riders want to be at their peak, and the extreme conditions expected over the planned terrain, along with the radiant heat, all pose a threat to their performance. I would emphasise sufficient hydration and a consistent hand hygiene regime as key focus areas for our athletes.”

“The last thing we want are any complications from the transfer of bacteria, so we are asking riders to keep this in mind across the race village. Simple things like the regular use of the hand hygiene points across the village can help the rider remain healthy,” Dr Green explains.

So as you enjoy the Epic experience, keep these 5 key moments in mind:

• Before a meal
• After a bathroom break
• Before and after injury care
• Before and after each stage
• After sneezing, coughing and nose-blowing

Whatever the ailment, the Mediclinic team will be ready to support riders at our fully equipped race hospital, but as the saying goes ‘prevention is better than cure’. Look out for the complimentary Mediclinic hand sanitiser in your race pack – we will be with you throughout the race!