08 May 2012

National Father's Day Golf-A-Thon

By Rick Martin
What is ZERO's National Father's Day Golf-A-Thon?

More than 240,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and more than 28,000 will die from the disease. By playing one round of golf on Father's Day weekend, you can save the men that mean the most to you.

ZERO's National Golf-A-Thon will be Father's Day weekend, June 15-17 2012. It is open to all golfers, regardless of their playing ability, gender or age. It is also both an individual and team competition. Participants can play for teams (departments, locations, courses, alumni) or as individuals. Participants play golf based on their own schedules on Father's Day weekend and are in competition to see which team or individual can raise the most money. Prizes will also be given out to the top three individuals or teams who raise the most money.

By participating in ZERO's National Father's Day Golf-A-Thon, 100 percent of the funds you raise will go toward prostate cancer awareness, research and testing.

Funds are raised for ZERO–The Project to End Prostate Cancer through pledges on holes played. The more holes a participant plays on Father's Day weekend, the more money they generate to fight prostate cancer. Participants will collect pledges from sponsors for each hole played during the ZERO's Father's Day Golf-A-Thon. If a participant plays 36 holes during the golf a thon and a sponsor pledges $1 a hole, the golfer will raise $36 towards the fight against prostate cancer. It's that easy!

The team or individual raising the most money will win the grand prize trip to the Know Your Score Celebrity Golf Tournament in Myrtle Beach, SC, benefiting prostate cancer awareness, research and testing. The trip includes lodging for four at Pawleys Plantation in Myrtle Beach, SC, four tickets to the VIP celebrity reception, four entries into the celebrity golf tournament, and four tickets to the gala. The runners up will receive ZERO golf apparel.

What courses can you play?

You can play any 9-hole or 18-hole golf course from any set of course tees in the world, based on your own schedule. You can play with your own personal golf partners or foursomes. No handicaps required. Just get out on Father's Day weekend, get your free pass from your significant other and play golf for a great cause!

How do I enter?

Golf-A-Thon participants will have their own personalized donation webpage that they can send to friends and family. It will be easy for supporters to make donations right on this page. You will also be able to include why you are participating and raising money for prostate cancer.

Why Prostate Cancer?

One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. There are no noticeable symptoms of the disease while it is in the early stages, so testing is vitally important. The chances of a man getting prostate cancer are one in three with one close relative (father, brother) with the disease. The risk is 83 percent with two close relatives and 97 percent with three. African American men are at increased risk for the disease and have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world - one in four men. They are also 2.5 times more likely to die from the disease.

At ZERO, we commit ourselves not only to reduce prostate cancer or alleviate the pain from the disease, but also to end it. We see a future where all men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer will be cured or manage their illness with good quality of life, with the support they need to minimize physical and emotional suffering and cope effectively throughout their cancer journey.

To accomplish our goal, we provide comprehensive treatment information to patients, education to those at risk and conduct free prostate cancer testing throughout the country. We increase research funds from the federal government to find new treatments and we fund local grants to end the disease.

Ready to register? - or - Want to access your page?

Log In

Register

08 May 2012

Military Appreciation Week at city golf courses

By Ron Summers

Davenport Public Golf Courses will provide free green fees to anyone with a military ID from May 12 - 19, 2012, as a kickoff for Military Appreciation Week in the Quad Cities.  The free green fees apply to the three public courses in Davenport - Emeis, Duck  Creek, and Red Hawk.

"It's our way of honoring the service men and women of our country," said Troy Evans, Superintendent of Revenue Facilities for Davenport Parks and Recreation.  "We hope that the military members of the Quad Cities take full advantage of our three great golf courses".

Military Appreciation Week began in 2008 and is a Quad City wide event created to salute our military personnel and show community support for the military installations in the area. Anyone interested in taking advantage of this golf special should book tee times and bring their military ID to the following Davenport Public Courses:

02 May 2012

Derby Day at the Outing Club

By QCSO

This is your last chance to make a reservation for Derby Day at The Outing Club on Saturday, May 5! You don't want to miss the mint juleps, the horse races, the new Kentucky Derby hat display, the free bourbon tasting, and the delicious derby cuisine. All proceeds from this event go to benefit the youth music education programs of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.

The Outing Club
2109 Brady Street
Davenport, IA

Saturday, May 5, at 2 p.m.

$75 per person
or $520 for a table of eight

Live auction items include a dinner prepared and hosted by Maestro Mark Russell Smith; a coaching session with one of the QCSO's principal musicians; a wine tasting for ten; a cabin rental in Estes Park, Colorado; a suite at Modern Woodmen Park; a children's pool party at the Outing Club; and a specially selected curio from the folks at American Pickers.

Make reservations at 563.322.QCSO (7276)
or by clicking here.

02 May 2012

GO OUTDOORS! IT'S GOOD FOR YOU!

By Rick Martin

Free Outdoor Essential Classes and Kids Summer Kickoff Challenge

Springfield, Missouri?(May 1, 2012)?Ask any adult what they remember best about childhood and chances are they will recall riding their bikes, building forts and tree houses and generally playing outdoors until after dark.  Kids were connected?to each other, their family and the outdoors.  And, according to several studies, they were physically and emotionally healthier. Information taken from The Conservation Fund website at http://www.conservationfund.org/children-nature states that researchers suggest "that the decline in children's health is linked, in part, to their growing disconnect from nature and outdoor activity."

Much national attention is being paid to this dilemma?so much that in early 2011 a report entitled "America's Great Outdoors: A Promise to Future Generations" was released that was part of President Obama's America's Great Outdoors Initiative.  It's an effort to reconnect Americans to the outdoors. A separate report was produced based on "youth listening sessions" in which young people expressed a strong desire to spend time outdoors.  (Read more about the report)

Bass Pro Shops has long recognized the short and long term benefits for kids and adults being involved in the outdoors.  Their National Go Outdoors Event was developed as a way to give families the opportunity to learn all of the outdoor skills needed to make their next outdoor adventure a great one and to reconnect with each other in the beauty of the great outdoors.  This year's Bass Pro Shops Go Outdoors Event will take place at 55 store locations in the United States May 18th-28th.

Exciting free events at the stores could include canoe and kayak demonstrations, casting contests, rock climbing walls, GPS classes, kid's crafts, outdoor skills workshops, Dutch oven cooking, outdoor survival training and much, much more. There's even the opportunity to get a great FREE 4x6 Family Photo download. (Events will vary per store.  Please visit www.basspro.com/gooutdoors ((beginning May 7)) and select individual store location for events listing.)

The Go Outdoors event offers great Outdoor Essentials classes for adults May 18th - 20th .
Friday, May 18th :
· 6pm :  Hiking Basics --learn about the best equipment to use for a successful hike
· 7pm:  Campfire Cooking --discover a new way to prepare tasty, over-the-fire meals
· 8pm:  Kayaks & Canoes --find out how to select the best kayak or canoe for float trips

Saturday,May 19th:
· 1pm:  Life Jackets -learn about proper life jacket fit and how to choose the best one for your needs
· 2pm:  Inflatable Life Jackets -see how they work
· 3pm:  Camping Essentials -if you're a beginner camper this is the class for you
· 4pm:  GPS Tips & Techniques -bring your GPS for hands-on advice
· 5pm:  Backpacking -discover the latest features and benefits of backpacking gear

Sunday, May 11th:
· 1pm:  Dutch Oven Cooking -learn tips and techniques using this delicious cooking method
· 2pm:  Inflatable Life Jackets -see how they work
· 3pm:  Tent Set-up --learn tent set-up and the importance of choosing the proper tent
· 4pm:  Smoker Tips & Techniques -learn the tips and techniques of smoker selection, food preparation and cooking

The Go Outdoors Event includes a "Summer Kickoff Challenge" with free weekend activities for kids Memorial Day weekend May 26th and 27th. From 11am to 4pm kids can learn how to set up a tent, compete in a sleeping bag race and enjoy a metal detector treasure hunt.  The first 100 kids in each store to complete the Summer Kickoff Challenge each day will receive a fun bug glider.  Kids will also be able to do a sand art craft from 12noon until 4pm Saturday, May 26th and paint a wooden insect craft Sunday, May 27th  (while supplies last; styles may vary).

Kids may also bring in their best wildlife photo for a chance to win the Summer Kickoff Photo Contest.  First place prize is a Bass Pro Shops 10x26 mm Compact Binoculars and a $25 Bass Pro Shops Gift Card and Second Place winner receives a $20 Bass Pro Shops Gift Card.

"One of the most exciting and invigorating places to go this summer is just beyond your front door," said Larry Whiteley, Bass Pro Shops Manager of Communications.  "Bass Pro Shops is committed to helping adults and children across the nation put away their laptops, video games, and cell phones and head outdoors.  Whether it's fishing, hiking through a local park, or simply laying on your lawn watching the stars at night, there are so many great things to do outdoors this summer."

While at Bass Pro Shops, register to win the "Outdoor Maui Adventure"?a 7day, 6-night trip to Maui, Hawaii.  One National Grand Prize will be awarded to one winner and their guest who will win the Maui Jim® and The North Face® Adventure Package that also includes airfare, hotel and car rental.  The total combined approximate retail value of the prize is $5,667.  (No purchase necessary to enter or claim prize. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia and Canada ((excluding Quebec)) who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry.  All federal and other tax liabilities are the sole responsibility of the winner.  Sweepstakes begins on 5/18/12 and ends on 5/28/12.  See store for more details.)

Each store location will also select a First Place winner who will receive a gift package of one MasterBuilt Cookmaster propane smoker, one Pacific Bamboo BBQ tool set, one The North Face Terra 45 backpack, and one pair of Maui Jim sunglasses.  The total combined approximate retail value of the prize is over $500 (specific items are to be selected by Sponsor).

This year, commit to getting outdoors with your kids for all your health's sake.  Visit Bass Pro Shops during the National Go Outdoors Event, interact with your family in the great outdoors and make some memories to last a lifetime.

About Bass Pro Shops®: Bass Pro Shops® operates 58 retail stores in 26 states and Canada visited by over 110 million people annually.  Bass Pro Shops® also conducts an international catalog and internet retailing operation, American Rod & Gun® wholesale division sells to over 7,000 independently owned retail stores worldwide.  Outdoor World® Incentives also sells Bass Pro Shops® gift cards through over 132,000 retail outlets across America.  The Bass Pro Shops® restaurant division with 26 locations.  The company's Tracker Marine Group® (www.trackerboats.com) manufactures and sells Tracker®, Nitro®, SunTracker®, Tahoe®, Grizzly® and Mako® boats through Bass Pro Shops® retail stores and over 400 dealers worldwide.  The Resort Group (www.bigcedar.com) includes Big Cedar Lodge® and other resort properties including restaurants and golf courses. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops® store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com.  To request a free catalog, call 1-800-BASS PRO.  Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bassproshops.

02 May 2012

Arlington Park's Future Still in Gov's Hands

By Barry Rozner

Another year has passed.

Another year without a new gambling bill in Illinois.

The truly amazing part is that the Illinois House and Senate ? made up of the people who represent us, the people ? actually got together in 2011 and agreed on a gambling bill.

And then one person out of 13 million Illinois residents decided he didn't like it.

Governor Pat Quinn killed the bill because it included slot machines at race tracks that would have saved the horse racing industry.

It's hard to decide which part of this story carries the greatest irony.

While the state is in financial crisis, millions in revenue go across the borders every day as Quinn worries about a bill that expands gambling too much.

And while he worries about expanded gambling, he expands by adding online lottery gambling.

He worries about expanded gambling with slot machines at race tracks, but he's willing to add five new Illinois casinos tomorrow if a bill meets his approval.

He's worried about casino oversight and protecting the public from corruption and crime, yet Arlington Park isn't a new gaming operation.

There's been wagering at the racetrack for 85 years, or 85 years longer than any of the new casinos in the bill.

If anything, the new casinos are the ones that need greater oversight, not Arlington Park.

Furthermore, the fear of what "element'' slots will bring to neighborhood racetracks is the same "element" cities and villages always fear when there's talk of adding off-track betting.

Perhaps, those who voice such concerns have never been to an OTB, or visited the slots rooms at race tracks in other states.

If they ever walked into one, they would see that the patrons are not the guys from "Goodfellas."

It's more like the guys from "Sunshine Boys."

I believe Quinn when he says he's trying to look out for the people of Illinois. I think he believes he is, but in this case he's not doing that.

Illinois is desperate for revenue, and the longer he waits, the more he's costing the people of Illinois.

People who want to gamble will find a way to do it, and right now those without access are doing it in Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri.

Quinn is listening to people who are trying to steer him away from slots at tracks as if that's going to make expanded gambling more palatable to those who don't want expanded gambling.

This is, of course, nonsense.

You can't sort of expand gambling. You either do or you don't.

Quinn already has done it with the lottery and wants to do it with five new casinos. To borrow from Winston Churchill, we've already established that. Now we are haggling about the price.

Why expand gambling and at the same time further degrade a horse racing industry that has been around much longer than casinos, let alone five startup casinos, and perhaps put horse racing in Illinois out of business entirely?

It just doesn't make any sense. It's not logical. It's downright baffling.

Then again, this is still Illinois.

01 May 2012

Governor Quinn Proclaims "Philip Humber Day" in Illinois

By Rick Martin

CHICAGO - April 28, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed today "Philip Humber Day" in Illinois in honor of the White Sox pitcher throwing only the 21st perfect game in Major League Baseball history. The Governor will present a framed proclamation to Humber and the White Sox before tonight's game against the Boston Red Sox. The text of the proclamation is below.

WHEREAS, the people of Illinois are both entertained and inspired by demonstrations of athletic excellence and take great pride in the achievements of their favorite Major League Baseball teams; and,

WHEREAS, on April 21, 2012, Chicago White Sox Pitcher Philip Humber threw a perfect game in a 4-0 victory against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field in Seattle; and,

WHEREAS, with this accomplishment, Philip Humber became only the 21st pitcher in the history of Major League Baseball ever to pitch a perfect game; and,

WHEREAS, Philip Humber became the first pitcher to throw a perfect game in the month of April since former White Sox hurler and fellow Texan Charles Robertson in 1922; and,

WHEREAS, Philip Humber became the first pitcher to not allow a single base runner against the Seattle Mariners; and,

WHEREAS, this extraordinary occasion marks the third perfect game for the White Sox, combining the achievements of Humber, Robertson, and Mark Buehrle in making the Chicago White Sox the leader in perfect games of all Major League franchises; and,

WHEREAS, in his perfect game, Philip Humber showed extreme poise and pure domination in a 96-pitch outing with 9 strike outs, including striking out Mariners' pinch-hitter Brendan Ryan on a 3-2 count for the final out of the game; and,

WHEREAS, during his time on the mound, Philip Humber was able to pitch for a full eight innings without allowing a single batter to receive three balls and kept nearly every hitter from threatening to reach base; and,

WHEREAS, other players of the Chicago White Sox exemplified the highest ideals of teamwork in contributing to Philip Humber's achievement, namely Alex Rios whose over the shoulder catch of Dustin Ackley's line drive in the fourth stopped the Mariners attempt to get on base in their tracks; Paul Konerko, who struck first with a home run in the second inning and added another RBI in the third, and Anthony John Pierzynski, who not only caught Humber's perfect game, but also drove in a run in the third and preserved the perfect game with a heads up play in the bottom of the ninth to end the game; and,

WHEREAS, sports fans throughout the world acknowledge Philip Humber's contributions to the Chicago White Sox, the State of Illinois, and the game of baseball; and

WHEREAS, Philip Humber's remarkable performance on Saturday, April 21, 2012, now takes its place among the most memorable moments in the storied history of our national pastime:

THEREFORE, I, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois, commend and salute Philip Humber for his exemplary performance on the baseball diamond and do hereby proclaim April 28, 2012, as PHILIP HUMBER DAY in Illinois in recognition of this historic and extraordinary accomplishment.

###
18 Apr 2012

Pheasants Forever Hires New Iowa State Coordinator

By Rehan Nana

Iowa's Tom Fuller is selected to lead Pheasants Forever's operations in the Hawkeye State

Oxford, Iowa - April 18, 2012 - Pheasants Forever (PF) announces Tom Fuller, formerly Pheasants Forever's Regional Representative in eastern Iowa, as the organization's new Iowa State Coordinator. In his new position, Fuller will be responsible for the long-term strategic implementation of Pheasants Forever's conservation mission in Iowa.

"Tom brings a skill set and local knowledge to a new position within Iowa that is designed to lead the Pheasants Forever team to even greater accomplishments for Iowa pheasants, quail and other wildlife," says Rick Young, Pheasants Forever Vice President of Field Operations, "This position will open new opportunities for Pheasants Forever as we implement a structure that allows us to better pursue new and expanded partnerships, habitat programs, development opportunities and team growth."

"In my new role as State Coordinator, I plan to capitalize on the incredible chapter and partner support Pheasants Forever and our quail division, Quail Forever, have in Iowa and leverage dollars towards specific results for Iowa's wildlife and landscape," said Tom Fuller, "We cannot have a haphazard approach to Iowa's conservation future if we are to increase our wildlife populations. To see major results, we will need a direct and focused plan. I know that with our unbelievable chapter support, this goal is possible, and I hope all Iowans support us in keeping Iowa's outdoors wild and landscape healthy."

A native of Springville, Iowa, Fuller grew up in an upland hunting family. His father, Roy Fuller, was a champion dog trainer, which accounts for Fuller's own passion for bird dogs. Since 2001, he has owned and operated Covey Rise Kennels, which specializes in breeding and training American Brittanys. Fuller began his employment with Pheasants Forever in August 2006 as a Regional Representative for eastern Iowa. Since that time, he has been a leader on Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever's field team with innovative ideas, a passion for the organization's mission and an unlimited vision for how to improve future conservation efforts.

"As an Iowan, I am proud of the welcoming outdoor culture our state is known for," said Fuller, "In a time when doors are being closed off to hunters, Iowa landowners still accept those people who knock on their doors, looking for somewhere to experience the outdoors. We treasure our wildlife and miss the bird numbers that we once had, and collectively, we are working hard to get back to where we once were. That is what fuels my passion for implementing Pheasants Forever's mission in Iowa."

Iowa is home to 20,000 Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever members and 104 combined PF/QF chapters. Fuller lives in rural Oxford, Iowa, with his wife, Jennifer, and their three children, McKenzie, Taylor, and Ty. For more information on "The Habitat Organization" in Iowa, please contact Tom Fuller at (319) 321-9775 or Email Tom.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are the nation's largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Combined, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 130,000 members and 700 local chapters across the United States and Canada. Chapters are empowered to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds are spent, the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure.

-30-

17 Apr 2012

PRINGLES® RENEWS FLW SPONSORSHIP FOR 2012 SEASON

By Joe Opager
MINNEAPOLIS (April 16, 2012) - FLW, the world's premier tournament-fishing organization, announced today that it will continue its partnership with Pringles® for the upcoming 2012 season.
Professional angler Vic Vatalaro will once again represent Pringles® on the Walmart FLW Tour. Vatalaro has more than $800,000 in career tournament winnings, has 18 career top-10 tournament finishes and has qualified for the Forrest Wood Cup four times.
Through its sponsorship agreement, Pringles® will receive exposure across all of FLW's platforms, including its tournaments and Expos, multiple websites, FLW Bass Fishing and FLW Walleye Fishing magazines and the "FLW" television show on NBC Sports Network. "FLW" is broadcast Sundays in high-definition (HD) to more than 559 million households worldwide, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoors-sports television show in the world.
"We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Pringles®," said Trisha Blake, President of FLW Marketing Division. "Their line of snack products are enjoyed by people around the world, and are a great fit with the FLW family of sponsors."
Pringles® offers consumers a variety of snacking options including Original Pringles®, Pringles® Multigrain, Pringles® Xtreme, and Pringles® Stix.

ABOUT PRINGLES®
Over the last 40 years, consumers are "loud in love" for Pringles® ... the can, its unique shape that cradles the mouth, that crunch, and the crisps' unique taste and texture.  Over the years, the love of Pringles® has spread around the world and it is now available in over 140 countries.  For more information on Pringles, visit www.Pringles.com.
ABOUT FLW
FLW is the industry's premier tournament-fishing organization, providing unparalleled fishing resources and entertainment to our sponsors, fans and host communities. FLW is offering anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money nationwide in 2012 over the course of 191 tournaments across five tournament circuits, each providing an avenue to the sport's richest payday and most coveted championship trophy - the Forrest Wood Cup. FLW is committed to providing a lifestyle experience that is the "Best in Fishing, On and Off the Water," through a variety of platforms including tournaments, outdoor expos and the world's richest fantasy sports game - FLW Fantasy Fishing. For more information about FLW and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com and look for FLW on Twitter and Facebook.
17 Apr 2012

Iowa Corn CyHawk Trophy Voting Begins

By Mindy Williamson
New Cy-Hawk Football Trophy Vote Opens

April 14, 2012 - Johnston, Iowa - The University of Iowa Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Iowa State University Athletics, Learfield Sports, and Iowa Corn announce today that the voting for the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Trophy presented to the winner of the annual football game between the UI and ISU will start on Saturday, April 14, at the spring football exhibitions of the Hawkeyes and the Cyclones and will continue through midnight on April 30.

In August and September of last year, fans of the two teams submitted nearly 500 trophy ideas. Reoccurring themes and top ideas were presented to a panel of former players and coaches from the universities as well as 2 representatives from Iowa Corn. Fans are invited to submit their vote online at www.iowacorncyhawkseries.com. Voting will be tracked in real time and votes will be tracked by fan base.

The winning trophy design will be officially announced during the first week of May. Then the finished trophy will be on the sidelines at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 8, when the Cyclones and Hawkeyes meet in this year's kickoff event to the 2012-13 Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series.

Rules for Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series Trophy - 2012

In August 2011, Iowa State University Athletics, University of Iowa Athletics, Learfield Sports, and Iowa Corn unveiled a new Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series trophy. After a less than enthusiastic response, the trophy was pulled and an "interim" trophy was used for the 2011 Iowa vs. Iowa State football game. Shortly after the game, Iowa Corn opened the trophy design up to the fans of the two teams. After more than 500 designs and ideas were collected, a trophy company transformed the fan's ideas into trophy concepts.
03 Apr 2012

Orthopaedic Surgeons Empower Young Athletes, Parents, Coaches to Protect Growing Bodies

By Lisa Weisenberger
New PSA Offers Tips for Avoiding Childhood
Overuse Injuries

Rosemont, IL -- More than five million kids under the age of 18 suffer a sports-related injury each year with approximately half of these due to overuse, according to the CDC.  April is Youth Sports Safety Month and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), and the STOP Sports Injuries campaign are teamed up with the release of a new radio and print public service announcement (PSA) on overuse sports injury prevention in kids.

Highlighted in the PSA is a common youth sport story:  A nine-year-old boy participates in baseball games and practices 12 months of the year.  He then plays on travel teams, on the local park's little league team, trains with a pitching coach and then throws balls in his own backyard.  The games become increasingly competitive and result in strain to his young, still-developing body.  Then due to too much use, an arm injury sidelines him from the game he loves, and he instead sits watching his friends play.

image

"The escalation of injuries in kids, especially as they relate to overuse is alarming," said orthopaedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, past president of AOSSM and STOP Sports Injuries Campaign Co-Chair.  "Sports participation teaches kids priceless lessons about life, health and sportsmanship, but they need to be playing various sports, switching up their routines and armed with the correct information and tools to stay on the field and out of my operating room."

AOSSM, AAOS and the STOP Sports Injuries campaign have several tips to share with all parents, coaches and young athletes to help prevent injuries:

  1. Schedule an appointment for your child to receive a pre-participation physical to determine any pre-existing conditions or injuries

  2. Encourage your child to properly warm up and cool down before and after an activity

  3. Obtain instruction on proper training and technique 

  4. Develop skills that are age appropriate, and increase training gradually. Recent research has shown that specializing in one sport at an early age can actually be detrimental to skill development.

  5. Encourage your child or player to rest and take a break, and to speak up if they are in pain or think they are hurt

"Young athletes want to be the best they can be, and they believe intense training and competition can help them achieve their goals.  Sometimes, however, this approach can have the opposite effect.  Frequent and repeated duplication of the same movement - whether in swimming, pitching, tumbling, jumping or serving - can produce an overuse injury that may jeopardize a child or teenager's sports career.  With a few adjustments, parents and coaches can help make sports fun - and safe - again for young people," said Frederick Azar, MD, second vice president of the AAOS.

Parents, coaches, athletes and healthcare providers also can help to increase awareness in April and throughout the year by getting involved with the STOP Sports Injuries campaign at www.STOPSportsInjuries.org, which is focused on educating the public about the rapid increase in youth sports injuries, the necessary steps to help reverse the trend and the need to keep young athletes healthy.

April Events
Help us spread the word about youth sports safety and injury prevention this April by joining in one or more of our events:

  • Webcast - Preventing Injuries in Youth Sports - April 17th, 2012
    • Our first-ever webcast, made possible by the generous support of DePuy Mitek, will be free and open to the public! It will feature renowned sports medicine professionals, including James Andrews, MD, Peter Indelicato, MD, Christopher Harner, MD, Lyle Micheli, MD and William Levine, MD presenting injury prevention strategies as well as an opportunity for attendees to interact through a question and answer session. Click here to register.
  • Twitter Tweet Chats - Youth Sports Safety - April 4, 2012 at 8 p.m. ET &  April 25, 2012 at noon ET
    • Have a Twitter account? Log-in or set one up and join us for two, hour-long Tweet Chats hosted by Dr. David Geier. On April 4th, we will be discussing youth sports safety and injury prevention, and on April 25th we will be focusing on concussions in youth sports. Follow us on Twitter or e-mail Joe Siebelts at joe@aossm.org to find out more! Follow the Conversation at #SportsSafety.

April also is the perfect time to host a community event to help promote youth sports safety. Register your event online and receive a free STOP Sports Injuries campaign starter kit, including 50 copies of each of our printed tip sheets, posters, stickers, tattoos, folders and more. To learn more or participate in these events, visit www.STOPSportsInjuries.org

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Amy Alkon Advice Goddess, Real Astrology, Red Meat cartoon and RCR Crossword every week?) 

* indicates required

View previous campaigns.

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.