This weekend is the Manchester City and Manchester United FA Cup Final. As we have a clinic in the heart of Manchester, we want to raise awareness of the lesser known impacts football can have to your health.
Football is a hugely popular sport in the UK, with millions of fans across the country and while watching football can be an enjoyable experience for many, it's important to recognise that certain factors associated with the sport can potentially have negative impacts on your health. In this blog, we will explore some of the overlooked risks related to watching football and their potential effects on your well-being.
1. Increased Blood Pressure due to Stress: 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 stroke or heart attack are increased. - At Pall Mall we offer 24 & 48 hour blood pressure monitoring with no referral required and appointments as little as next day to accurately measure how hard your heart is working.
2. Unhealthy Snacks at the Stadium: When at the football grounds you are surrounded by a wide range of tempting and often unhealthy food options. High-calorie snacks, greasy fast food, and sugary fizzy beverages contribute to an increased risk of weight gain and elevated cholesterol levels that can over time cause more serious health related problems in the future. It’s important to have a balanced diet and enjoy unhealthy snacks in moderation, opting for healthier food choices before the game or limiting indulgence can help mitigate these risks.
3. Shouting and Voice Strain: 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.
4. Emotional Stress and Mental Well-being: 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 professional for help. Don’t forget, At Pall Mall we offer same day and next day private GP appointments if you need to seek medical advice urgently.
At Pall Mall we recently ran a competition, giving away free executive travel down to Wembley for the FA cup final. With the trains on strike the day of the big game, we wanted to take the added stress away from the big day for one lucky group of fans. When arriving home all winners will receive an invite into our Manchester clinic for a free Pall Mall Health screen to ensure they're as 'fit as a footballer'. - Make sure you're following us on instagram @pallmallmedical to be involved in our next competition!
