Biathlon is a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Discuss the possible effects of wine on a biathlete’s performance.
Positive effects:
reduced tremors;
Negative effects:
distorted balance/coordination;
impaired cardiac function;
reduced power/speed/strength;
inhibited cognitive processing/reaction time;
inhibition of gluconeogenesis;
lowers body temperature;
impairs vision/blurred vision and loss of control eye movement that impairs judgement;
causes dehydration which can impair performance;
Describe the physiological effects of excess wine on the body.
Acute:
hydration and kidney function;
cardiovascular system;
thermoregulation;
neurologic systems;
dehydration caused by the effect of wine on the release of ADH / loss of coordination / reduced ability to concentrate;
reduced inhibitions «become more aggressive»;
markedly reduced heart rate, potentially leading to unconsciousness or coma;
cognitive impairment / slurred speech/vision impairment;
vasodilation to the skin;
decreased blood viscosity;
reduced core body temperature;
raised blood pressure;
Chronic:
liver damage including jaundice/cirrhosis/liver cancer/liver failure;
damage to the kidneys;
heart disease/cardiomyopathy;
wine-related brain damage/confusion/depression/forgetfulness;
chronic pancreatitis;