WHAT IS RED-S?

Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) occurs when athletes do not get enough food to fuel their energy demands. This results in low energy availability, especially after participating in demanding competition or practice/training. As an athlete, you require a balance of healthy sleep and nutritious meals to effectively replenish your energy stores. This in turn provides the energy to enjoy healthy, effective training.

Unfortunately, many athletes push themselves too hard and fail to take in the nutritious fuel needed to remain healthy. As a result, they develop a serious energy deficiency which makes it impossible to achieve the level of performance they desire. Their overall health suffers, impacting their endurance and strength.

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HOW RED-S IMPACTS THE BODY

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When steps are not taken to avoid or treat RED-S it leads to system impairment throughout your whole body.

​This includes:

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• Missed/abnormal periods in women

• Low libido in men

• Hormonal imbalance

• Diminishing bone health including risk for early onset of osteoporosis and stress fractures

• Impaired immunity increasing risk for infections, colds, flu, etc.

• Slowed metabolism so food is converted into energy slowly

• Low heart rate leading to dizziness and increased risk for long-term heart damage

• Poor psychological health including moodiness, depression, and irritability   

Through a “whole athlete” approach to care, you can develop healthier habits to avoid low energy availability. You can also refocus your efforts on prevention to avoid long-term injury. Our clinicians quickly diagnose RED-S and also recognize and address risk factors and deficits to set you on the path to well-being.

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FUEL.REST.RECOVER.

Sports medicine physician Dr. Sara Forsyth works with Professional, Varsity, Provincial and National level athletes in a variety of sports. Through her practice she discovered the need for effective care for RED-S patients using a multidisciplinary approach. As a result, she created a network of like-minded clinicians to help athletes refocus on whole body health to improve their mindset, overall health, and performance. Today, The Athlete Wellness Initiative helps athletes improve overall performance and enjoy optimal health through prevention and awareness.

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Our multidisciplinary team helps athletes establish a healthier attitude towards training. We focus education around balanced “fueling” with high quality, healthy meals, enough rest, and a better understanding of what a healthy body looks and feels like. Early interventions teach you the importance of fueling, resting, and recovering to enjoy optimal health and improve endurance and performance levels.

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GET STARTED WITH OUR COMPREHENSIVE ATHLETE HEALTH OPTIMIZATION PROGRAM

Low energy availability is often overlooked when athletes present with symptoms. We can recognize risk factors for   RED-S and assist with the right care decisions to help you safely train and participate in sports. We consider both your physical and mental health and identify opportunities to help you achieve and sustain whole body health through The Athlete Wellness Initiative.

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Virtual Consultations

If you are unable to meet with our team members in person, we are happy to provide virtual consultations. We believe in offering completely accessible services personalized for your specific needs to ensure we see the best possible outcomes. This also allows patients to benefit from The Athlete Wellness Initiative from any location.

Get started with a virtual consultation.

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MEET THE TEAM

Our team ensures rapid recognition of risk factors for RED-S and introduces early intervention management   plans using a comprehensive wide lens approach. This allows us to address current issues from multiple disciplines, and when possible, identify potential susceptibilities to prevent problems.

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A multidisciplinary approach is at the heart of our success ensuring timely and consistent communication between team members to greatly enhance care and management. Our RED-S focused services are performed by leading specialists in their area of expertise including:

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DR SARA FORSYTH BSc, MD
Sports Physician

As Founder of The Athlete Wellness Initiative, Dr. Forsyth uses a multidisciplinary approach to sports medicine through her network of expert clinicians to enhance care and improve outcomes for her patients.

ANNE MUSCAT
Founder and CEO of Mynd Matters Consulting
 

Anne provides a comprehensive approach integrating biofeedback training with innovative Neurofeedback and Heart Rate Variability programs.

CRISTINA SUTTER
MHSc., RD
Registered Dietitian

Cristina pinpoints exactly which eating habits are sabotaging your health and performance and recommends the changes required to get the results you want.

KENDRA POMFRET
Registered Clinical  Counsellor
 

Drawing from a number of therapeutic modalities, Kendra offers counseling focused on empowering athletes to create changes that better align with their goals and preferred outcomes.

KARLY FOSTER
Registered Physical Therapist
 

Karly Foster is a registered Physical Therapist with 10+ years of experience working with various populations and endurance athletes. 

NICOLE LEITH
Grad Student

As a volunteer with Dr. Sara Forsyth, Nicole is gaining further experience in the assessment and treatment of female athletes who may be experiencing physical and, or psychological dysfunction related to their sport.

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