Football is a hugely popular sport worldwide, with millions of fans across the world and while watching football at the stadium, at home and at viewing centres can be an enjoyable experience for many, it is important to recognise that certain factors associated with the sport can potentially have negative impacts on your health.
Unfortunately, during the ongoing AFCON, five Nigerians have been reported to have collapsed & died watching the semifinal between Nigeria and South Africa.
With the final coming on up Sunday at 9pm, we will explore some of the overlooked risks related to watching football and their potential effects on well-being of Nigerians who will be watching.
Dr. Tosin Longe, Group Head of Medical Services, ASCL Health Consulting has advised that Nigerians should monitor their blood pressure more often
He outlined the following:
1. Increased Blood Pressure due to Stress:Â Football matches often evoke intense emotions, and the stress and excitement associated with supporting your favourite team can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure. Frequent exposure to high-stakes matches or closely contested games can heighten this effect. Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions should be particularly cautious and manage their stress levels effectively. When an individual’s blood pressure rises, the chances of a cardiac arrest, heart attack or stroke are increased.
2. Shouting and Voice Strain:Â Supporting your team at the game often involves cheering, chanting, and shouting. While this enthusiasm is an important part of the football experience, it can strain your vocal cords, leading to hoarseness or even loss of voice. To avoid this, you should stay hydrated and avoid shouting for the whole 90 minutes to help protect your voice while still enjoying the atmosphere of the match.
3. Emotional Stress and Mental Well-being:Â Football matches can bring out strong emotions, and the outcomes of games can greatly impact fans’ mood, positively and negatively. It’s crucial to remember that at the end of the day, football is just a game. While it’s natural to feel personally invested when your football team loses, it’s important to be mindful of the potential negative impacts on your health and behaviour. Lots of people feel emotions such as anger and sadness after their team loses which causes them to act out of line.
Depression and stress can have a significant health impact. If you are experiencing any mental health struggles that are triggered due to football, it’s important to reach out to either a friend, family member or healthprofessional for help.
