Please join the Windsurfer and Kiteboarder Health Study!

Ning · Since 12 Jun 2008 2 Posts Portland New Member

Dear Kiter friends,

My name is Ning An and I am a medical epidemiologist with the Oregon Public Health Division. I am conducting a study among kiters and windsurfers who surf on the Columbia River. We are recruiting participants for the study now.

I want to thank those of you who have already registered in the study. I also want to cordially invite kiters who haven't heard about the study to join. The goal of the study is to determine whether kiters and windsurfers who surf on the Columbia River are at higher risk of respiratory ailments, skin, ear, and eye infections than non-surfers and people who surf at other locations. We will also look at the risk for injuries.

By participating in the study, you just need to complete five short web-based surveys (5-10 mins each). You will be notified of the study findings upon completion of the study. You will also have the opportunity to win a $25 gift card.

Your participation and support will make a difference in improving our understanding of windsurfing and kiteboarding-related health concerns. I really appreciate it.

To sign up for the study, please go to http://www.healthoregon.org/surferhealth

Have a fun summer!

Ning An MD, MPH
Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer
Medical Epidemiologist
Oregon Public Health Division
800 NE Oregon St., Ste. 772
Portalnd, Oregon, 97232
PH: 971-673-1111
FAX: 971-673-1100
ning.an@state.or.us
geo4@cdc.gov

Study Director
Windsurfer and Kiteboarder Health Study
http://www.healthoregon.org/surferhealth

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

One thing I've noticed this year from riding the strapless boards exclusively, I don't get worked as bad in the crashes so I don't seem to be getting river nose as much.

splaterwin · Since 17 Nov 2005 165 Posts Vancouver Stoked

I find as the river warms and the flow decreases river nose increases. Not sure if cause and effect are related to more time on water or risk taken. Question

Thankfully the saline flush seems to cure problem. Who ever figured that one out needs some kind of award! Very Happy

Bettyboarder · Fri Jun 13, 08 6:52 am

Just noticed this made it to the news

http://www.katu.com/sports/19875579.html

I just signed up - sign up she still needs more people

Ning · Since 12 Jun 2008 2 Posts Portland New Member

Hi, thanks for the reply.

There are multiple hypotheses about the "river nose". The phenomenon that splaterwin mentioned may support the infection theory. If the river nose is caused by the bacteria or virus in the water, then saline flush should help relieve the symptom. My study may not be able to examine this theory directly but it will provide some evidence for it. Thanks for participating again.

~Ning

KidCorporate · Since 10 Jul 2007 563 Posts Addicted

Just completed my first survey.

Mark · Fri Jun 13, 08 7:58 am

I too just completed my first survey. Simple and quick.