Your Good Health Toolbox

- By Ryan Scott, RW Gear Editor

We would all love to run hassle-free for all time, but reality maps out a different path for us. It is a path that includes the challenges of staying fit and recovering from injuries, both serious and niggling. The older we get, and the longer we run, the more likely we are to come across these challenges. The good news is that there is much we can do to keep our running opportunities plentiful and enjoyable.

To maintain your good health and repair it when necessary, we suggest you create a toolbox of tricks to make sure you have all the goodies on hand when they are needed.

Check out what we have in our toolbox.

Optimega Omega 3, R80

Omega 3 and 6 natural oils are essential in a healthy diet, but a little tricky to obtain for most people, especially if you do not eat much fresh fish (which you should). So make sure you take a supplement like this if you are not getting yours.

Swabs x 100, R22

Better than cotton wool balls for cleaning open wounds and then for dressing them with ointments before plastering down firmly.

You can never have too many and they go on for ages.

Arnica Oil 50ml, R42

Unanimously agreed upon as the best massage oil to use. Make sure you have some handy and some strong hands to get busy with the massage. (Sometimes it’s worth having a slight muscle twinge just to get the attention!)

Bactroban (topical), R71

An ointment that is easily applied to prevent infection of abrasions and small cuts and wounds. Clean wound with soap and water, apply Bactroban and cover with gauze or plaster. This stuff is a potent antibiotic.

Wecesin Graze & Weeping Wound Powder, R45

Mum calls it “magic powder,” so my Italian uncle asked for it by that name over the counter at the chemist! Works incredibly well on open wounds. Dries them out very effectively.

You try it, you love it. Bravo!

Dark Chocolate Goji Berries, R39.95

Goji berries are a super food mostly for their antioxidant properties. These guys have covered the little red berries with dark chocolate, making it the ultimate antioxidant! Not likely to be prescribed by your quack nor found in your pharmacy but a must have. Available at Wellness Warehouse

Elastoplast Blister Plasters, R39.99

These little patches remind me of a tube repair kit for my bike. They are amazing new plasters that you really need to have near you at all times if you are a runner. If not for you then for your buddy. Blisters are tricky things to overcome. These little suckers make them less so.

Thermometer, R12

Take the guesswork out of deciding about a run. If you wake up and you feel ill, but are not quite sure, plop a thermometer in your head via your mouth and make sure you are 37.0°C. If you are half a degree less you are still okay, but anything above 37 is not looking good.

Moducare, R100-R150

Optimises the body’s immune system in a totally natural and non-invasive way by making use of plant sterols and sterolins that do incredible work in complementing your immune system. I use this every day. Pharmacies and health shops

Glucosamine OsteoEze Gold, R162.50

As people age, their bodies lose the ability to produce sufficient levels of glucosamine. The net result is that cartilage loses its ability to act as a shock absorber.

Glucosamine is an essential raw material that normalises cartilage metabolism, which stops the cartilage from breaking down. Relevant for runners, don’t you think?

Osteo Freeze Gel with Arnica, R55

My favourite anti-inflammatory, pain reliever and a local antibiotic, which is used for dislocations, sprains and bruises as it helps to prevent bruising and swelling after traumatic skin injuries and prevents the blood platelets from gathering to the site of injury.

Bag of Peas 1kg, R22.99

A favourite when the need for ice on an aching joint or bruise is apparent. The fantastic thing about the peas is that they mould themselves around the area that needs attention, be it a dodgy hamstring or knobbly ankles or knees.

Panado, R33

I try not to use these, but sometimes the pain needs some dampening.

Elastoplast Knee Strap, R89.99

Knee pain is tricky to deal with. I have found this strap to provide relief to inflamed tendons around the knee. Remember to treat the cause and have a check-up with your physio. Pharmacies, Clicks

SuperGlue, R24

Out on a trail and you fall and cut your knee? Use superglue to close the wound temporarily until you get to a doctor. Seriously: it works.

Physio Band and Foam Roller, R71 for 5.5m and R370

These are extremely simple yet effective tools to make use of when doing rehabilitation exercises. One and a half metres is more than enough band.

Even when not injured, you can get innovative with some strengthening manoeuvres.

Kinesiotape, R245

The new thing in injury treatment. I suggest you get a trained person to apply the tape as it’s specific and, I believe, effective.

The Japanese origins of this taping technique make use of a more intelligent system compared to previous ones.www.kinesiotapingafrica.co.za

Transact Pads x 10, R81

Many runners have and swear by them for pain relief post and pre-run. They are ideal for releasing spasms in muscles as they slowly release relaxants into the muscles they are applied to. When first applied you can feel your skin tingle.