Caution in Hot Weather

Steadman Hawkins Sports Medicine

GAME CHANGERS

August 2011

Dear (Contact First Name),

Welcome to Game Changers, the Steadman Hawkins Sports Medicine monthly email newsletter. We look forward to providing you with this exciting information and hope you find the tips from our Certified Athletic Trainers and healthcare partners helpful. The focus of our articles are on prevention, recognition and the initial treatment of sports injuries.

Dr. W. Franklin Sease, Jr.

Questions or Comments? Please contact your school's Athletic Trainer or email us at shsportsmed@ghs.org .

Caution in Hot Weather

Heat illness occurs when the body is exposed to hot temperatures over a prolonged period of time and cannot adequately cool itself down. This can result in heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. As the body temperature rises, the blood moves to the skin in an attempt to lower the body temperature. This causes less blood to reach the brain, muscles, and other vital organs. Heat Illness can become a serious medical condition, sometimes fatal, if not treated properly and promptly. Learn the symptoms and treatments of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke along with tips from our athletic trainers by viewing our website article titled Heat Illness.

FOX Carolina - Story on Heat Illness

Prevent Heat Illness through Proper Hydration from Steadman Hawkins Nutrition Science Center

Proper hydration is crucial for peak athletic performance. Fluid loss can increase fatigue, decrease concentration and coordination, cause muscle cramps and put you at risk for heat illness . The more you sweat the more fluids you need! Maintaining sufficient daily hydration before, during and after your sport will help keep your body ready for the demands of your sport activities. For more information and a Hydration Schedule view the complete article.

Protein shakes can be a convenient addition to your daily nutritional intake but they should never take the place of a healthy, balanced diet using a variety of food. Although many companies advertise muscle building qualities, protein shakes do not magically increaes your muscle or strength. The best way to build muscle, strength and overal peak athletic performance is with a sound training program, good nutrition, rest and proper hydration! View our guidelines for using Protein Shakes .

Concussions

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a fall, blow or jolt to the body or head that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth resulting in a change in the way your brain normally works. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 300,000 sports-related concussions occur yearly in the U.S. Knowing prevention tactics, symptoms and treatment protocols will help reduce the occurrence of concussions and keep you playing the game you love longer. To learn more about concussions, click here.

How do I prevent a concussion during sports?

Always wear a helmet in high risk sports such as football, softball, baseball, biking, skating, skiing, ice hockey or boxing.
Learn the symptoms, dangers and long term potential damage of concussions.
Know proper safe playing techniques in order to prevent concussions.

Watch this excellent video Concussions i n Football on the The National Athletic Trainers' Association website. Remember, IF IN DOUBT ... SIT IT OUT!

Natl Athletic Trainers' Assoc Logo

Getting the Proper Fit

It is that time of year again for the gladiators of the gridiron to strap up and go to war. Like any warrior, having the proper equipment is crucial to performance and protection. For the football player, helmets and shoulder pads are the first line of defense to injury prevention. A properly fitting helmet not only helps reduce the risk of injury but also helps keep you comfortable while properly fitting shoulder pads allow for greater movement. Check out our tips list for fitting your helmet and shoulder pads by visiting our website.

Hawkins Throwing Academy

Studies suggest poor flexibility, strength, pitching mechanics and volume affect performance and injury risk for overhead athletes. Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas has teamed up with Proaxis Therapy and Acceleration Sports Institute to create the Hawkins Throwing Academy providing biomechanical assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and throwing performance programs.

Whether you are an injured pitcher or just want to perform at your best, the Hawkins Throwing Academy can tailor a program for you. For more information visit our webpage , email us at baseball@hawkinsfoundation.com or call (864) 454-7422 if you are having pain and would like to see one of our physicians who specialize in throwing disorders.