Training Tip of the Week: Medications
Exercise can potentiate the effects of medications and increase possible side effects. Discuss your current prescription and over-the-counter medications with your primary care physician, even if you take them only as needed. The following medications can be especially affected by a 60-mile walk.Blood Pressure Medications: Diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, lasix, furosemide) may cause electrolyte imbalances, dehydration and potentiate the risk for heat illness. Discuss stopping your diuretic, decreasing the dosage or changing the medication during the Breast Cancer 3-Day.Anti-inflammatory Medication: May cause gastrointestinal irritation such as heartburn, diarrhea or even stomach bleeds. They also can cause kidney injury and lower leg swelling. The stress of exercise can increase these side effects. Do not exceed the recommended dosage of 2 tablets of ibuprofen (400 mg. every 8 hours) or 1 tablet of Naprosyn (225 mg. every 12 hours).Diabetic Medication: Insulin and sulfonylureas, which increase insulin in the body, can increase the risk of lower blood sugars during and after exercise. Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (shakiness, blurred vision, difficulty walking or problems concentrating). Be prepared for low blood sugar by carrying 15 grams of carbohydrate with you when you exercise (2 glucose tablets, 1 small box of raisins or 5 lifesavers). Test your blood sugar before and after exercise. If it is less than 100 mg/dl before exercising you may need to eat 15 grams of carbohydrate. Estimate an expenditure of 100 cal/mile and plan your medications and food accordingly. If you experience low blood sugar, talk to your doctor about changing your medication or food needs.Diet pills or Energy pills: Most diet medications are stimulants that contain pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine and/or caffeine. Even “herbal” products may contain Ma Huang, ephedra or derivatives of caffeine such as guarana. These drugs will increase your heart rate, heart palpitations and dehydration. None of these medications have shown any long-term weight loss effect. Avoid taking these drugs while training for the Breast Cancer 3-Day.Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics (Doxycycline; Minocycline, Tetracycline, Accutane) may increase your risk of sun sensitivity. Be sure to use extra sun block that has zinc oxide or titanium oxide as its active ingredient and also wear a wide brimmed hat.
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- The Mississippi Melons
- The Mississippi Melons began in April 2008 as a team of 4. We walked out first Breast Cancer 3-Day in Dallas, Tx in November of 2008. The original 4 members collectively raised $9000, walked 60 miles and re-upped! In 2009, The Melons were 18 members strong and spread across Mississppi, Lousianna and Tennessee. The Melons are smarter, stronger and more determined than ever to fight this battle until the end! The Mississippi Melons are a team of dedicated and energetic women, working together and determined to make a difference in the battle to end breast cancer. Together, we will participate annually in a Susan G. Komen 3-Day For the Cure event and work to make charitable contributions to organizations dedicated to breast cancer research, awareness, treatment and support. Our fundraising efforts and projects will be dedicated to these ends. "We commit ourselves to the fight to end breast cancer and secure a healthy future for our mothers, daughters and sisters, taking one step at a time. We walk because we can, for those that can’t."