Blog guest: Zoran Golusin

He was diagnosed with scoliosis when he was nine. He managed to avoid spinal surgery because of the swimming and regular exercises. Today, after four decades of recreational swimming, he can’t imagine his life without getting into the pool, explains dr Zoran Golusin (dermatovenerologist) as this month’s Swimming Dad #Blog guest. Swimming has changed his life habits that apart from being a recreational swimmer, he has been a swimming referee for more than 30 years.

When you were young you were diagnosed with a spinal problem (what problem)? How much did the swimming help you with your spinal problem?

When I was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of nine, they recommended swimming as the best option to help me with my problem. A new sports centre had just been opened in my hometown, so I started going there and trained several times a week with the recreational swimming group within a local swimming club. Swimming was a great add-on to my kinesiotherapy and it helped me a lot. Because of the swimming and the regular exercises, I managed to avoid spinal surgery which was considered at the time. Over time, I realised that scoliosis is not just a matter of aesthetics but also a functional problem. I continued swimming three times a week as well as doing my regular exercises.

How much time and effort did it take you to achieve some good results?

Swimming and regular exercising is something that you need to keep doing for a longer period of time if you have scoliosis, and personally I think you should keep doing it for the rest of your life. Back muscles and all other muscles supporting your spine and posture are something you need to keep in shape at all times. Swimming is a perfect sport for it as possibilities of getting injured are minimal, which is very important when you get older. Over time, your spine becomes more straight, your posture improves, but also the overall quality of life gets better because you prevent any potential back pain and other complications.

Today as a swimming referee, do you still swim?

Since I used to swim with the recreational group at my local swimming club, I really fell in love with swimming and my coach suggested that I should take a referee exam. It was a perfect opportunity for me to stay in swimming

forever. Being a swimming referee helped me meet new friends and visit many cities and countries that I wouldn’t necessarily visit if there was no for the swimming. Each week I take some time to go for a swim. Today I can’t imagine my life without that activity. I have been swimming for almost four decades and I have been a swimming referee for thirty years.

In your opinion, what do you think about the spinal condition of today’s children, do you notice that they have a similar problem like you?

Today’s city lifestyle doesn’t have positive effects on kid’s spine. Sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, and ever-increasing number of responsibilities, does not allow them enough room to do some sport. I think both parents and teachers should educate their children in the way that physical activity should become an integral part of their lifestyle. If a parent is interested in his child doing some sport, that child will actually do it.