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REDs: Introduction

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to October, a month full of spooky surprises and ballet! This month we'll be learning all about a sports and dance syndrome called RED-S/D (Relative Energy Deficiency in sports and dance) that is unfortunately very common in ballet.

Since it's a very large topic, we'll be covering all of these points throughout the whole month:

  1. Introduction 
  2. Symptoms
  3. RED-S/D and Ballet
  4. Prevention, Treatment and Awareness
So let's begin today's post on... Introduction to RED-S/D!

RED-S/D is essentially a syndrome in which athletes and dancers do not get enough energy from their food, or simply don't consume enough food for the amount of activity they do in a day, causing extreme tiredness, irregularities in body functions, and mental health issues. It can affect dancers of all ages, ability levels and genders.

It's very common in sports and dance styles that require athletes and dancers to maintain a low weight for a certain ideal look or weight, even if it is well below the individual's healthy weight. Some of these sports and dance styles are: ballet, gymnastics, figure skating and swimming.

If RED-S/D isn't treated in time, it can not only lead to declining athletic and artistic performance but can also cause some serious health issues that may be permanent, such as:
  • Reduced bone density and strength leading to frequent stress fractures and osteoporosis
  • Frequent infections and colds due to reduced immunity
  • Slower metabolism
  • Lower heart rate, frequent dizziness, and long term heart issues
  • Moodiness, distraction, depression, and anxiety
  • Disrupted menstruation cycles

RED-S/D can be detected by analyzing symptoms and conducting tests that check hormone levels and other health markers. With increased awareness, it’s possible to catch it early, making treatment and prevention much easier.

That’s all for today’s introduction! In the upcoming posts, we’ll explore the symptoms, how RED-S/D affects ballet dancers specifically, and ways to prevent and treat it effectively.

Stay tuned for more, and remember—nourishing your body is just as important as mastering your technique!

Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. Let’s continue this journey of learning together!

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