Message from the Yukon Chief Medical Officer to all AWG athletes

A letter from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Yukon

January 8, 2016

Dear 2016 Arctic Winter Games Participants

As Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, may I congratulate you all on your upcoming trip to Nuuk to partake in the Arctic Winter Games. The Games are a wonderful opportunity for celebrating the spirit of healthy competition, as well as providing a chance to learn about other peoples’ cultures.

To get the most outof these games, I hope that you all manage to stay as healthy as possible. You will want to be at your best for the competition, and be able to participate in the various extra events, the camaraderie, and all the fun!

One important way to stay healthy is to stay free of infectious diseases, and one of the most important ways to to prevent the spread of communicable diseases is by vaccination (or immunization).

The Arctic Winter Games will be happening at a time where we often see influenza (the flu) reach its peak. Past events similar to this one have seen outbreaks of influenza, gastroenteritis (“stomach flu”), and pertussis (or whooping cough) which at times has led to participants either having to miss out on participating, and/or return home. Also, measles and mumps outbreaks continue to occur in various parts of the world, including Europe. These diseases can even be transmitted in international airports, and often target young people like yourselves.

To make sure that you are able to compete and to get the most out of your upcoming adventure,  I urge you to ensure that your own vaccinations are up to date. Please ensure that you are protected against seasonal influenza (this is a vaccine that needs to be repeated annually,  as well as pertussis (whooping cough), and MMR (or Measles-Mumps-Rubella). I would strongly discourage anyone who is not up to date in immunizations from travelling to the Games.

In addition to immunizations, there are many other aspects to keeping well and in your best form as the games approach. This is a time to ensure that you are eating well: a variety of vegetables and fruits as well as healthy sources of protein and whole grain foods. Cut the junk food and the pop as much as you can! Keep your minds alert and focussed by minimizing time in front of the screen or television—except for what you really need to do. And make sure you allow yourself a good sleep every night. Teens and school aged children need at least 9 hours of sleep per night. When you are training and preparing for a trip, a good night’s sleep is even more critical to keep you free from illness and to optimize your fitness for travel and competition. 

Thanks for reading this, have a safe and healthy trip, and have a great experience at the Games!

Signed:

Brendan E. Hanley MD CCFP(EM) MPH

Chief Medical Officer of Health, Yukon