YOUR QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS

Sports Medicine

Q Any advice on how to avoid getting ticks on trail runs?

A Countryfile magazine advise the following: As ticks are more common in woodland and heath areas, consider avoiding those when out running. If you can, run on paths, avoiding long grass or verges.

Wearing lightcoloured clothing will help you easily see ticks. Using repellent is also advised. Popular choices are DEET and Permethrin, a clothing-only repellent that kills ticks on contact.

To remove a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers or a tickremoval tool, not your fingers. Pull the head of the tick firmly and steadily, without twisting it excessively, as this could increase the risk of infection or some of the tick being left behind.

It’s important to properly deal with the site of the tick after it has been removed. Apply antiseptic and beware of a rash.

If you can, keep the tick in a sealed jar. That way, if you develop an infection, you can take the tick to the doctor or vet and they can test the tick for disease.

Q What are polyphenols exactly and why do we need them?

A Polyphenols are compounds found in plants, and they can be categorised into four main groups called lignans, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and flavonoids.

Research has shown how polyphenols can help reduce the risk of disease through their role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in the body. Those most widely researched are fruitderived polyphenols, sourced from cherries, blueberries, blackberries, and pomegranate, which are all rich sources.

Many studies link polyphenols to recovery. A review in highlighted that polyphenols’ role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory