This season, the star players on many football teams may not be on the offense, defense or specialty teams. Instead, it may be up to the medical team to execute a successful game plan.
The H1N1 influenza virus has proven to be a formidable opponent for even the toughest teams. Over recent weeks, legions of players throughout the southeast have been relegated to isolation, causing some games to be canceled. H1N1 is now heading north.
Viruses are not susceptible to antibiotics and the best way to limit spread is by immunization. Unfortunately, that requires forewarning and preparation. H1N1 is particularly virulent and a large scale immunization program has yet to be initiated.
Symptoms include high fever, chills, fatigue, nausea and coughing. College athletes are more vulnerable because dormitories and other close living quarters are breeding grounds for any virus. Universities have instituted strict isolation policies but the virus can be spread for approximately 24 hours before and after the onset of fever.
This attack has actually changed how sports-related injuries are treated.
“The H1N1 outbreak has caused us to refrain from using any medications that might even remotely suppress the immune system when treating injuries,” said Dr. Jeffrey Anderson, medical director for the University of Connecticut Department of Athletics.
He hopes the H1N1 vaccine will be available for winter sport athletes.
The best way to limit the spread of any virus is by practicing good hygiene:
• Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based antimicrobial hand cleaner, especially after sneezing or coughing.
• Avoid unnecessary human contact.
• Do not share utensils.
Instituting some basic precautions may prepare athletes to limit the spread of this virus and chalk up some extra victories.
Young athletes need good role models
Athletes making poor decisions both personally and professionally are now a common occurrence. Sports fans read about these indiscretions so often that they are almost expected behavior.
Although many of these choices have legal implications including time in prison, they also can have serious health consequences. Young athletes are now using unprescribed supplements purchased on the internet in astonishing numbers. Peer pressure to drink alcohol and use illicit drugs continues to rise.
No one will argue that things have changed for the worse over the past several decades. Recently publicized events raise many questions:
• What has changed in sports and in society that has resulted in a “leadership void?”
• How can parents, coaches and teachers help correct this and hopefully protect athletes?
• What is the role of the media?
Football has traditionally been the team sport serving as a model for leadership in the United States. No other sport is so similar to battle and requires careful coordination of many skills for success. The quarterback position is analogous to that of a field general leading troops. Bad behavior is more dramatic in football because of the team implications.
“Thirty years ago, the technology to broadcast every college football game wasn’t available,” said Tim Prendergast, director of football operations at the University of Connecticut. “The internet, 24-hour sports television and U-Tube now dramatically increase the exposure of athletes.”
This exposure also influences the behavior of young athletes who imitate their heroes’ poor sportsmanship in the end zone and at times bad health decisions. Prendergast believes that good leaders are able to identify a goal, remove any obstacles to achieving that goal and thank others for their help.
Coaches and administrators agree that leadership is best taught by example. Youth organizations and church activities provide good opportunities other than athletic events to influence young adults.
“The community now also serves as the extended family for many athletes. Many people serve a role in raising a leader,” said Jamal Davis, head coach of the Norwich Free Academy football team. This year Coach Davis is emphasizing the importance of commitment, character and courage both on and off the field with his players. He repeatedly drives home the point that after football, it is these characteristics that will be their legacy.
Dr. Michael Joyce, an orthopedist and highly-regarded team physician, along with his wife, Pam, are embarking on a large-scale effort to provide the necessary skills for athletes to become leaders. The KJ Life Foundation (www.KJLife.org) was established in 2009 in memory of their son, Kenneth, who died tragically in a ski accident.
The foundation has begun a series of seminars for athletes to serve as peer role models by setting good examples and developing character.
“There are moment-to-moment examples of good character. We need to capture those moments and use them as teaching tools,” said Dr. Joyce.
The recurring theme is that personal responsibility is crucial to getting the most out of any athletic experience and making the right decisions to stay healthy.
Although many of these choices have legal implications including time in prison, they also can have serious health consequences. Young athletes are now using unprescribed supplements purchased on the internet in astonishing numbers. Peer pressure to drink alcohol and use illicit drugs continues to rise.
No one will argue that things have changed for the worse over the past several decades. Recently publicized events raise many questions:
• What has changed in sports and in society that has resulted in a “leadership void?”
• How can parents, coaches and teachers help correct this and hopefully protect athletes?
• What is the role of the media?
Football has traditionally been the team sport serving as a model for leadership in the United States. No other sport is so similar to battle and requires careful coordination of many skills for success. The quarterback position is analogous to that of a field general leading troops. Bad behavior is more dramatic in football because of the team implications.
“Thirty years ago, the technology to broadcast every college football game wasn’t available,” said Tim Prendergast, director of football operations at the University of Connecticut. “The internet, 24-hour sports television and U-Tube now dramatically increase the exposure of athletes.”
This exposure also influences the behavior of young athletes who imitate their heroes’ poor sportsmanship in the end zone and at times bad health decisions. Prendergast believes that good leaders are able to identify a goal, remove any obstacles to achieving that goal and thank others for their help.
Coaches and administrators agree that leadership is best taught by example. Youth organizations and church activities provide good opportunities other than athletic events to influence young adults.
“The community now also serves as the extended family for many athletes. Many people serve a role in raising a leader,” said Jamal Davis, head coach of the Norwich Free Academy football team. This year Coach Davis is emphasizing the importance of commitment, character and courage both on and off the field with his players. He repeatedly drives home the point that after football, it is these characteristics that will be their legacy.
Dr. Michael Joyce, an orthopedist and highly-regarded team physician, along with his wife, Pam, are embarking on a large-scale effort to provide the necessary skills for athletes to become leaders. The KJ Life Foundation (www.KJLife.org) was established in 2009 in memory of their son, Kenneth, who died tragically in a ski accident.
The foundation has begun a series of seminars for athletes to serve as peer role models by setting good examples and developing character.
“There are moment-to-moment examples of good character. We need to capture those moments and use them as teaching tools,” said Dr. Joyce.
The recurring theme is that personal responsibility is crucial to getting the most out of any athletic experience and making the right decisions to stay healthy.
Athletes require a team of physicians
At one time, sports medicine solely consisted of orthopedic surgeons and athletic trainers. There is now a myriad of physicians associated with professional sports teams and scholastic athletic programs. While each contributes something different, it is important for an athlete to understand how various physicians approach sports-related injuries.
Primary Care Physicians: These are medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) who have completed a residency program in either family medicine, pediatrics or internal medicine. They then enter a one-year fellowship program in sports medicine and complete an examination to attain added qualifications in sports medicine (AQSM). Most major sports programs now have one or more primary care physicians who treat non-operative sports injuries.
Orthopedic Surgeons: Many orthopedic surgeons who specialize in sports medicine complete an additional year of fellowship training after residency. This year is exclusively devoted to sports-related orthopedic injuries and working with a variety of sports teams.
Sports Neurologists: While there is currently no formal fellowship in sports neurology, these are MDs or DOs who complete a neurology residency and treat athletes with neurologic injuries. Concussions, spinal injuries and injuries to peripheral nerves are typical.
Sports Psychologists: Sports psychologists have PhD degrees in clinical psychology. They help athletes deal with the mental aspects of their sport to improve performance.
Other physicians who are commonly utilized as part of the sports medicine team include chiropractors, podiatrists and dentists.
In the case of a sports-related injury, the approach and goals of treatment center around how to get an athlete back to sports participation safely. When seeking care it is wise to investigate what experience that physician has in sports.
Primary Care Physicians: These are medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) who have completed a residency program in either family medicine, pediatrics or internal medicine. They then enter a one-year fellowship program in sports medicine and complete an examination to attain added qualifications in sports medicine (AQSM). Most major sports programs now have one or more primary care physicians who treat non-operative sports injuries.
Orthopedic Surgeons: Many orthopedic surgeons who specialize in sports medicine complete an additional year of fellowship training after residency. This year is exclusively devoted to sports-related orthopedic injuries and working with a variety of sports teams.
Sports Neurologists: While there is currently no formal fellowship in sports neurology, these are MDs or DOs who complete a neurology residency and treat athletes with neurologic injuries. Concussions, spinal injuries and injuries to peripheral nerves are typical.
Sports Psychologists: Sports psychologists have PhD degrees in clinical psychology. They help athletes deal with the mental aspects of their sport to improve performance.
Other physicians who are commonly utilized as part of the sports medicine team include chiropractors, podiatrists and dentists.
In the case of a sports-related injury, the approach and goals of treatment center around how to get an athlete back to sports participation safely. When seeking care it is wise to investigate what experience that physician has in sports.
Sports medicine involves a wide range of specialists
“The advice you receive is only as good as the source.” This adage is especially true when seeking medical advice for a sports-related injury.
As sports medicine has become more inclusive of various disciplines, it is sometimes hard for athletes to determine where they should be going for consultation and treatment. Here is a rundown:
Certified Athletic Trainers (ATCs): These professionals are the quarterbacks when it comes to evaluating and treating sports injuries. They are often employed by a school or team to oversee medical care. Their role includes obtaining consultation with appropriate medical specialists. Athletic trainers serve as the intermediaries between physicians and administrative staff.
Physical Therapists (PTs): Physical therapists specialize in rehabilitating medical conditions. These can be musculoskeletal, cardiac or neurologic in nature. A variety of modalities can be used including ultrasound, traction and stretching exercises. Many physical therapists specialize in rehabilitating sports-related injuries.
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCSs): This group typically works with teams or individuals to put together a workout regimen that will avoid injury and improve athletic performance. They accomplish this through exercise and nutrition.
Personal Trainers: Personal trainers are usually employed at gyms and by individuals to provide advice and instruction on proper ways to exercise. They emphasize putting together an effective workout routine and avoiding injury.
The most important difference between these groups is that athletic trainers and physical therapists are medically-based disciplines. They are trained to diagnose and treat sports injuries while working closely with a physician. Strength and conditioning specialists and personal trainers are performance-based and emphasize reaching athletic goals.
Many sports medicine professionals are certified in multiple disciplines. Deborah Gardiner of Procare Physical Therapy in Willimantic has both a Master’s degree in physical therapy and certification as an athletic trainer.
Scott Di Francesco is a certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist. Along with his brother, Tim, a physical therapist, they own TD Athletes Edge in Salem, Mass. They work with many professional athletes to rehabilitate injuries and help them exceed previous accomplishments.
Sport-specific programs for rehabilitation and training are now growing in popularity. These consist of various medical and performance professionals who specialize in a specific athletic activity. They often work with athletes beginning in their teens during the off season to develop strength in muscles needed for their sport and a diet that will help them succeed during the season. Surprisingly, these programs are very different and can be designed for any sport.
Sports medicine physicians have also become a diverse group. Next week, Healthy Sports will clarify some of the confusion surrounding how different physicians approach sports injuries.
As sports medicine has become more inclusive of various disciplines, it is sometimes hard for athletes to determine where they should be going for consultation and treatment. Here is a rundown:
Certified Athletic Trainers (ATCs): These professionals are the quarterbacks when it comes to evaluating and treating sports injuries. They are often employed by a school or team to oversee medical care. Their role includes obtaining consultation with appropriate medical specialists. Athletic trainers serve as the intermediaries between physicians and administrative staff.
Physical Therapists (PTs): Physical therapists specialize in rehabilitating medical conditions. These can be musculoskeletal, cardiac or neurologic in nature. A variety of modalities can be used including ultrasound, traction and stretching exercises. Many physical therapists specialize in rehabilitating sports-related injuries.
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCSs): This group typically works with teams or individuals to put together a workout regimen that will avoid injury and improve athletic performance. They accomplish this through exercise and nutrition.
Personal Trainers: Personal trainers are usually employed at gyms and by individuals to provide advice and instruction on proper ways to exercise. They emphasize putting together an effective workout routine and avoiding injury.
The most important difference between these groups is that athletic trainers and physical therapists are medically-based disciplines. They are trained to diagnose and treat sports injuries while working closely with a physician. Strength and conditioning specialists and personal trainers are performance-based and emphasize reaching athletic goals.
Many sports medicine professionals are certified in multiple disciplines. Deborah Gardiner of Procare Physical Therapy in Willimantic has both a Master’s degree in physical therapy and certification as an athletic trainer.
Scott Di Francesco is a certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist. Along with his brother, Tim, a physical therapist, they own TD Athletes Edge in Salem, Mass. They work with many professional athletes to rehabilitate injuries and help them exceed previous accomplishments.
Sport-specific programs for rehabilitation and training are now growing in popularity. These consist of various medical and performance professionals who specialize in a specific athletic activity. They often work with athletes beginning in their teens during the off season to develop strength in muscles needed for their sport and a diet that will help them succeed during the season. Surprisingly, these programs are very different and can be designed for any sport.
Sports medicine physicians have also become a diverse group. Next week, Healthy Sports will clarify some of the confusion surrounding how different physicians approach sports injuries.
Don't be sidelined by stress fractures
An overzealous approach to exercise can bring even the best fitness program to a grinding halt. Stress fractures are often the result of an aggressive running program.
Stress fractures are best described as very small cracks in a bone, usually seen in the lower leg and foot. As opposed to a typical fracture that results from a single traumatic event, stress fractures result from repeated trauma. They are commonly seen in athletes such as runners, basketball players, and dancers who run and jump on hard surfaces.
Bone is a dynamic organ that is constantly weakening and growing. The rate at which more bone is produced is determined by weight-bearing activities and general health. Osteoporosis is a condition seen in individuals unable to bear weight on a bone and older people whose bone metabolism has slowed. It results in fragile bones that are more susceptible to fracture.
Stress fractures are rarely seen on routine X-rays and diagnosis often requires an MRI scan or bone scan.
“There is a delicate balance between bone metabolism and bone stress. Any factor that rapidly upsets this balance can result in stress fractures,” said Dr. John Giacchetto, an orthopedic surgeon in Norwich. As older people begin to participate in impact sports like running, the incidence of stress fractures has also risen.
Preventive measures include using proper footwear and trying to run on a softer surface. Dr. Giacchetto recommends an incremental approach beginning with walking before running.
Treatment of stress fractures often includes restricting activity and acetaminophen for pain. Vitamin D and calcium supplements should be considered.
Now that summer is drawing to an end, many people will be resuming or starting an exercise program. Consultation with a physician is advisable and gradually increasing intensity can avoid being sidelined.
Stress fractures are best described as very small cracks in a bone, usually seen in the lower leg and foot. As opposed to a typical fracture that results from a single traumatic event, stress fractures result from repeated trauma. They are commonly seen in athletes such as runners, basketball players, and dancers who run and jump on hard surfaces.
Bone is a dynamic organ that is constantly weakening and growing. The rate at which more bone is produced is determined by weight-bearing activities and general health. Osteoporosis is a condition seen in individuals unable to bear weight on a bone and older people whose bone metabolism has slowed. It results in fragile bones that are more susceptible to fracture.
Stress fractures are rarely seen on routine X-rays and diagnosis often requires an MRI scan or bone scan.
“There is a delicate balance between bone metabolism and bone stress. Any factor that rapidly upsets this balance can result in stress fractures,” said Dr. John Giacchetto, an orthopedic surgeon in Norwich. As older people begin to participate in impact sports like running, the incidence of stress fractures has also risen.
Preventive measures include using proper footwear and trying to run on a softer surface. Dr. Giacchetto recommends an incremental approach beginning with walking before running.
Treatment of stress fractures often includes restricting activity and acetaminophen for pain. Vitamin D and calcium supplements should be considered.
Now that summer is drawing to an end, many people will be resuming or starting an exercise program. Consultation with a physician is advisable and gradually increasing intensity can avoid being sidelined.
Preparation can help ease sports anxiety
Intense fear of failure is something everyone can relate to at some point in life. This sensation typically arises before any performance, whether it is in the realm of academics, entertainment or sports. Surprisingly, performance anxiety is becoming more common in the area of high-level sports competition.
Stories of athletes who have reached the highest level of their sport and can suddenly no longer perform simple tasks are well-known. An infielder who can no longer throw a baseball to first base, a pitcher who can’t find home plate, a basketball player who puts up an air ball from the foul line and competitive swimmers who fear drowning when on the starting block are examples.
The human brain can be divided into two parts. The diencephalon, or primitive brain, controls emotions and consists of the hypothalamus, thalamus and limbic lobe. The telencephalon makes up the thinking portion of the brain and includes the more highly developed cortical structures.
The “fight-or-flight response” is based on the perception of danger. It triggers an outpouring of adrenaline and the body responds with increased heart rate, rapid breathing, profuse sweating and increased muscle strength.
“When an athlete becomes anxious, the primitive areas of the brain hijack the regions that control coordinated movement, making simple learned skills impossible to perform,” reports Dr. John Sullivan, a sports psychologist in Rhode Island who works with amateur and professional athletes. Emotions always impact physical activity and the ability to balance this interaction will improve performance.
Dr. Jeffrey Anderson, a sports medicine specialist, believes that anxiety among young athletes is rising.
“We have created a youth sports system where there are no losers and everyone receives a trophy. As these athletes get to higher levels, they encounter the harsh reality that losses do occur. For many, the thought of losing is overwhelming,” said Anderson. He half-jokingly states that as a matter of principle, he allows his children an opportunity to fail on a regular basis.
Many athletes develop their own ways of dealing with anxiety.
John Paesani, a professional golfer in Norwich, competes regularly in regional and national tournaments. He deals with the inevitable anxiety all golfers experience on the first tee by following a routine that begins the morning of an event. He allows enough time to eat, stretch and practice to increase confidence in his performance.
Amber Holt, a star forward for the Connecticut Sun, also has devised a coping strategy.
“When I get to the foul line, I slow my breathing and just think about making the shot to avoid anxiety,” she said.
Lee Elci has had to deal with performance anxiety as both a professional baseball player and as an entertainer.
“In baseball, I was always confident that I could be successful against any pitcher. Entertainment was a different arena for me and dealing with anxiety was difficult and demanded a lot of time and practice.” Elci is now a top-rated radio talk show host and believes good preparation avoids a fear of failure.
Treating performance anxiety requires training athletes to connect their emotions with their physical strengths. This often requires professional help and sometimes medication.
Dr. Sullivan advises that an inordinate amount of anxiety in a young athlete is often the result of factors other than sports and early intervention can avoid serious psychiatric problems.
A successful performance depends on both emotional preparation and physical practice in any arena.
Stories of athletes who have reached the highest level of their sport and can suddenly no longer perform simple tasks are well-known. An infielder who can no longer throw a baseball to first base, a pitcher who can’t find home plate, a basketball player who puts up an air ball from the foul line and competitive swimmers who fear drowning when on the starting block are examples.
The human brain can be divided into two parts. The diencephalon, or primitive brain, controls emotions and consists of the hypothalamus, thalamus and limbic lobe. The telencephalon makes up the thinking portion of the brain and includes the more highly developed cortical structures.
The “fight-or-flight response” is based on the perception of danger. It triggers an outpouring of adrenaline and the body responds with increased heart rate, rapid breathing, profuse sweating and increased muscle strength.
“When an athlete becomes anxious, the primitive areas of the brain hijack the regions that control coordinated movement, making simple learned skills impossible to perform,” reports Dr. John Sullivan, a sports psychologist in Rhode Island who works with amateur and professional athletes. Emotions always impact physical activity and the ability to balance this interaction will improve performance.
Dr. Jeffrey Anderson, a sports medicine specialist, believes that anxiety among young athletes is rising.
“We have created a youth sports system where there are no losers and everyone receives a trophy. As these athletes get to higher levels, they encounter the harsh reality that losses do occur. For many, the thought of losing is overwhelming,” said Anderson. He half-jokingly states that as a matter of principle, he allows his children an opportunity to fail on a regular basis.
Many athletes develop their own ways of dealing with anxiety.
John Paesani, a professional golfer in Norwich, competes regularly in regional and national tournaments. He deals with the inevitable anxiety all golfers experience on the first tee by following a routine that begins the morning of an event. He allows enough time to eat, stretch and practice to increase confidence in his performance.
Amber Holt, a star forward for the Connecticut Sun, also has devised a coping strategy.
“When I get to the foul line, I slow my breathing and just think about making the shot to avoid anxiety,” she said.
Lee Elci has had to deal with performance anxiety as both a professional baseball player and as an entertainer.
“In baseball, I was always confident that I could be successful against any pitcher. Entertainment was a different arena for me and dealing with anxiety was difficult and demanded a lot of time and practice.” Elci is now a top-rated radio talk show host and believes good preparation avoids a fear of failure.
Treating performance anxiety requires training athletes to connect their emotions with their physical strengths. This often requires professional help and sometimes medication.
Dr. Sullivan advises that an inordinate amount of anxiety in a young athlete is often the result of factors other than sports and early intervention can avoid serious psychiatric problems.
A successful performance depends on both emotional preparation and physical practice in any arena.
Bean balls have no place in baseball
On the same day recently, three major league baseball players were struck on the head by baseballs. Two of the incidents required hospitalization; all three raise the issue of safety improvement.
David Wright and Ian Kinsler were struck by baseballs thrown at high velocity. Hiroki Kuroda, a pitcher, was hit by a line drive back to the mound.
Although helmets provide some measure of safety, the impact of any projectile can cause skull fractures, bleeding into the brain and subsequent death. Even mild forms of traumatic brain injury like concussion carry repercussions of persistent headache, dizziness or cognitive impairment. In baseball, this is enough to end a promising career.
Athletes have become stronger and more proficient at their sports, necessitating better protective equipment. The need for improved batting helmets and designing helmets for pitchers is under discussion and supported by many sports medicine specialists.
The real problem in baseball lies beneath the surface. An unwritten rule in baseball is that a pitcher is expected to hit a batter in certain circumstances or be shunned by his teammates.
Organized baseball has tried to control “plunking” by giving umpires greater leeway in ejecting players. The legal question here is whether a baseball pitcher who uses his skill to intentionally harm another player should be charged with assault? In 2006, the Supreme Court of California ruled that baseball players assume the risk of being hit by baseballs even if thrown to intentionally cause injury.
Professional athletes must realize that their actions are imitated by youngsters. Intentionally throwing at an opponent is not the behavior of a sportsman. Hopefully it will not result in death.
Anthony G. Alessi, MD, is Chief of Neurology at The William W. Backus Hospital and in private practice at NeuroDiagnostics, LLC, in Norwich. E-mail him at aalessi@wwbh.org, or listen to his podcasts, comment on his blog or buy his book at www.backushospital.org.
David Wright and Ian Kinsler were struck by baseballs thrown at high velocity. Hiroki Kuroda, a pitcher, was hit by a line drive back to the mound.
Although helmets provide some measure of safety, the impact of any projectile can cause skull fractures, bleeding into the brain and subsequent death. Even mild forms of traumatic brain injury like concussion carry repercussions of persistent headache, dizziness or cognitive impairment. In baseball, this is enough to end a promising career.
Athletes have become stronger and more proficient at their sports, necessitating better protective equipment. The need for improved batting helmets and designing helmets for pitchers is under discussion and supported by many sports medicine specialists.
The real problem in baseball lies beneath the surface. An unwritten rule in baseball is that a pitcher is expected to hit a batter in certain circumstances or be shunned by his teammates.
Organized baseball has tried to control “plunking” by giving umpires greater leeway in ejecting players. The legal question here is whether a baseball pitcher who uses his skill to intentionally harm another player should be charged with assault? In 2006, the Supreme Court of California ruled that baseball players assume the risk of being hit by baseballs even if thrown to intentionally cause injury.
Professional athletes must realize that their actions are imitated by youngsters. Intentionally throwing at an opponent is not the behavior of a sportsman. Hopefully it will not result in death.
Anthony G. Alessi, MD, is Chief of Neurology at The William W. Backus Hospital and in private practice at NeuroDiagnostics, LLC, in Norwich. E-mail him at aalessi@wwbh.org, or listen to his podcasts, comment on his blog or buy his book at www.backushospital.org.
Bicycle police combine helping others with staying fit
Many occupations require workers to remain physically fit in order to complete their assignments. Sometimes it is possible to combine a love of sports with a means of earning a living. Police bicycle patrols permit many avid cyclists to accomplish this.
Bicycle police patrols became common in the 1890s. Police departments found bicycles effective for rapid response and the ability to traverse difficult terrain. Although motor vehicles have dominated law enforcement transportation, bicycles have undergone a resurgence with the use of mountain bikes.
Modern police bicycles have wide, deeply treaded tires and multiple gears. They allow officers to maneuver through confined spaces as well as off-road trails.
Police officers assigned to bicycle patrols are enthusiastic about riding. A typical patrol can require between five and fifteen miles of riding. A slow- paced ride will burn 400 calories per hour.
The International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) provides training that includes stretching and fitness along with riding skills. Courses last one week and are held nationwide.
Other than police, EMS personnel and security officers utilize bicycles.
“Bicycle patrols add to visibility and communication with pedestrians and business owners,” said Mark Gendron, a Connecticut State Trooper assigned to Hebron who is trained by the IPMBA. The stealth approach of bicycles have aided in drug arrests and crowd control. Trooper Gendron keeps a bike rack on his patrol car so that his bike is always available.
Backus Hospital and the Mohegan Sun Casino use bicycle patrols for security purposes in parking lots and to assist visitors. Lowell Yeager, a retired fireman, bikes approximately 1,500 miles per year in addition to the time he spends on bike patrol at Backus Hospital.
These patrollers are dedicated to helping others and are passionate about staying fit.
Bicycle police patrols became common in the 1890s. Police departments found bicycles effective for rapid response and the ability to traverse difficult terrain. Although motor vehicles have dominated law enforcement transportation, bicycles have undergone a resurgence with the use of mountain bikes.
Modern police bicycles have wide, deeply treaded tires and multiple gears. They allow officers to maneuver through confined spaces as well as off-road trails.
Police officers assigned to bicycle patrols are enthusiastic about riding. A typical patrol can require between five and fifteen miles of riding. A slow- paced ride will burn 400 calories per hour.
The International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) provides training that includes stretching and fitness along with riding skills. Courses last one week and are held nationwide.
Other than police, EMS personnel and security officers utilize bicycles.
“Bicycle patrols add to visibility and communication with pedestrians and business owners,” said Mark Gendron, a Connecticut State Trooper assigned to Hebron who is trained by the IPMBA. The stealth approach of bicycles have aided in drug arrests and crowd control. Trooper Gendron keeps a bike rack on his patrol car so that his bike is always available.
Backus Hospital and the Mohegan Sun Casino use bicycle patrols for security purposes in parking lots and to assist visitors. Lowell Yeager, a retired fireman, bikes approximately 1,500 miles per year in addition to the time he spends on bike patrol at Backus Hospital.
These patrollers are dedicated to helping others and are passionate about staying fit.
Ballroom dancing attracts athletes and creative types
Athletic activities take on many different forms and among the more recently popular are various types of dance. Television shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance” have been major forces behind the growing numbers of dancers.
Dancing attracts men and women of all ages, fitness levels and cultural backgrounds. People dance socially, competitively or for the entertainment of others. Perhaps no other athletic activity is so universally accepted.
The physical demands of dancing vary greatly. The pace and rhythm of the dance will dictate the cardiovascular component. Caloric output can vary between 200 and 400 calories per hour depending on the pace of the dance.
Agility is important for dancing and participation -- even at a novice level -- will improve balance. As with all weight-bearing activities, muscles become stronger and bone density increases. Typical injuries include ankle sprains, knee injuries and a variety of strained muscles.
Ballroom dancing, which requires a partner, has become particularly popular.
Adult ballroom dancing camps are held around the world. A recent week-long camp at Mt. Snow, Vt., attracted 50 dancers from the United States and Canada. Ballroom Vermont owner Byron Siegal has seen a 40% increase in participation over the past five years and more than 50% are repeat customers.
“We both enjoy the physical as well as mental and social aspects of ballroom dancing,” said veteran campers Robert and Peggy Cassey. Peggi Morrow directs the camp and finds that campers fall into two broad categories: the analytical group where every movement demands careful study and the creative group who just start moving with reckless abandon.
Like any sport, success is based on timing, coordination and strength. Enjoyment is based purely on attitude.
Dancing attracts men and women of all ages, fitness levels and cultural backgrounds. People dance socially, competitively or for the entertainment of others. Perhaps no other athletic activity is so universally accepted.
The physical demands of dancing vary greatly. The pace and rhythm of the dance will dictate the cardiovascular component. Caloric output can vary between 200 and 400 calories per hour depending on the pace of the dance.
Agility is important for dancing and participation -- even at a novice level -- will improve balance. As with all weight-bearing activities, muscles become stronger and bone density increases. Typical injuries include ankle sprains, knee injuries and a variety of strained muscles.
Ballroom dancing, which requires a partner, has become particularly popular.
Adult ballroom dancing camps are held around the world. A recent week-long camp at Mt. Snow, Vt., attracted 50 dancers from the United States and Canada. Ballroom Vermont owner Byron Siegal has seen a 40% increase in participation over the past five years and more than 50% are repeat customers.
“We both enjoy the physical as well as mental and social aspects of ballroom dancing,” said veteran campers Robert and Peggy Cassey. Peggi Morrow directs the camp and finds that campers fall into two broad categories: the analytical group where every movement demands careful study and the creative group who just start moving with reckless abandon.
Like any sport, success is based on timing, coordination and strength. Enjoyment is based purely on attitude.
Athletes are at risk for sunburn
Sunburn, an often-ignored sports injury, can result in immediate as well as long term injury. If exposure becomes chronic, it can lead to death.
Skin is the largest organ in the human body. An intricate network of blood vessels, nerves and glands provides a system for thermoregulation. It is responsible for protecting internal organs from the environment, leaving the skin susceptible to damage from the elements.
The sun produces invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UVA and UVB rays can produce damage after excessive exposure.
Athletes whose sports require long hours of outdoor training are particularly susceptible to the sun. This includes runners, cyclists and surfers. Winter athletes are at risk due to reflection of sun rays on snow and ice, and because they typically compete at higher altitudes.
Protection from the sun involves several strategies:
- Timing. Sun exposure is minimized when workouts are scheduled before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
- Clothing. Dark, tightly woven attire will block rays while light colors only scatter rays and loose weaves allow the rays to pass through. Modern fabrics allow athletes to remain cool while covered.
- Sunscreen. Athletes should use sunscreens specifically formulated as sweat resistant and waterproof. They should also have a sun protective factor (SPF) of 30-50. A high SPF lip balm is also recommended.
“Athletes often do not reapply sunscreen despite profuse sweating. It must be re-applied at least every two hours to be effective,” said Dr. Howard Rogers, a dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology in Norwich and member of the Backus Hospital Medical Staff.
He also believes instructing people to increase sun exposure to avoid vitamin D deficiency is misleading and that dietary supplements are the most efficient way of addressing this problem without unnecessary cancer risk.
Remember, you can never apply sunscreen too much or too often.
Skin is the largest organ in the human body. An intricate network of blood vessels, nerves and glands provides a system for thermoregulation. It is responsible for protecting internal organs from the environment, leaving the skin susceptible to damage from the elements.
The sun produces invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UVA and UVB rays can produce damage after excessive exposure.
Athletes whose sports require long hours of outdoor training are particularly susceptible to the sun. This includes runners, cyclists and surfers. Winter athletes are at risk due to reflection of sun rays on snow and ice, and because they typically compete at higher altitudes.
Protection from the sun involves several strategies:
- Timing. Sun exposure is minimized when workouts are scheduled before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
- Clothing. Dark, tightly woven attire will block rays while light colors only scatter rays and loose weaves allow the rays to pass through. Modern fabrics allow athletes to remain cool while covered.
- Sunscreen. Athletes should use sunscreens specifically formulated as sweat resistant and waterproof. They should also have a sun protective factor (SPF) of 30-50. A high SPF lip balm is also recommended.
“Athletes often do not reapply sunscreen despite profuse sweating. It must be re-applied at least every two hours to be effective,” said Dr. Howard Rogers, a dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology in Norwich and member of the Backus Hospital Medical Staff.
He also believes instructing people to increase sun exposure to avoid vitamin D deficiency is misleading and that dietary supplements are the most efficient way of addressing this problem without unnecessary cancer risk.
Remember, you can never apply sunscreen too much or too often.
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