Swim England is set to release a new range of educational resources focused on female health, designed to support women of all ages and abilities in continuing to enjoy aquatic activities. The initiative aims to address common health concerns that may affect participation in swimming and water sports.
The first set of topics covered by these resources will include:
The Menstrual Cycle
Female Nutrition
Pelvic Floor Health
Contraception
Menopause
The development of these resources is led by Diane Elliot, Swim England’s Sports Science and Medicine Manager, who has collaborated with a team of specialists to ensure accurate and relevant information.
Expert Contributions
Craig Robertson, Swim England's sports scientist, has contributed his expertise on the menstrual cycle, while performance nutritionist Josh Dyson has provided insights on nutrition specifically tailored for female athletes.
Physiotherapist Lisa Sharratt worked on the resource concerning pelvic floor health, and Lucy Thompson, a menopause specialist, developed information to support women navigating this life stage. Additionally, Dr. Kate Jordan, a sport and exercise medicine consultant and Chief Medical Officer for Aquatics GB, collaborated with the team to cover the topic of contraception.
A Growing Resource Hub
The resources will be hosted in a new female health section on the Swim England website, with plans to expand the range of topics in the future. These efforts align with Swim England's mission to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for female athletes across all levels, from recreational swimmers to competitive professionals.
Empowering Women Through Education
Diane Elliot emphasised the importance of these resources, stating: "Swim England is committed to making sure everyone feels comfortable getting in the water, and these resources are a key part of that effort. Topics like menstruation, menopause, and pelvic floor health can be sensitive, and often discourage women from participating in aquatics or any physical activity. Our goal is to address these barriers head-on by providing information and support that encourages more women to enjoy the benefits of swimming."
Elliot added, "We hope that by equipping both competitive and recreational athletes with the right knowledge and tools, they can confidently continue their aquatics journey."
First Resource on Menstrual Health Launching This Month
The initial resource focusing on the menstrual cycle is set to be launched this month. The Female Health Athlete Group at Swim England is also working on gathering and highlighting stories of best practices from clubs and individuals across the country. These stories aim to showcase the outstanding work already being done to create welcoming and supportive environments for women and girls in aquatic sports.
Swim England encourages anyone with stories to share or contributions to make to contact Diane Elliot directly, as they continue to build a comprehensive suite of resources dedicated to promoting female health and well-being in aquatic settings.
Find out more: https://www.swimming.org/justswim/female-health/
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