There’s an interesting article on overuse injuries in young athletes in the Strength and Conditioning Journal this month. The author, James Johnson, has done an excellent job of putting into words a problem I see every day. Since most of you don’t have access to it, I thought I’d give you a few highlights of Dr. Johnson's research on what is an alarming increase in injuries among young athletes. 
Competitive seasons last longer and many athletes practice all year for one sport.
Cuts in school physical education has led parents to create homegrown programs for their children. Unfortunately, coaches in these programs sometimes have minimal training. Certification isn't always required. So we are placing our most vulnerable athletes with the least trained coaches.
Overuse injuries are the most common. They are typically caused by repetitive submaximal loading, which occurs with activities such as throwing, swimming, or running.
Children are especially susceptible to overuse injuries because they are still growing.
Prevention is the key. Use proper training methods and allow time for recovery. Always use an appropriate warm up. Vary practice patterns to avoid overuse. Measure progression and make sure it is a gradual progression.
I couldn’t agree more with this article – too many children are getting overuse injuries. At SVMC, we're seeing more and more kids with sore shoulders, sore knees, sore backs, etc.
There are many factors here, not just overtraining. Some of these kids are deconditioned (too many video games), or their injuries are related to motivation, but overtraining is often involved.
Don’t get me wrong, I think sports programs are great for kids, but they need to be done right. Coaches and parents have the best intentions, but these do not mean much if the training is wrong.
If you want to read the article in full, stop by SVMC's Health Sciences Library. Our librarian Gary Strubel will be glad to help you find a copy to read. You call the library at 802-447-5120. You can find the article in Strength and Conditioning Journal, Vol 30, Number 2, April 2008.
There are a couple of golden rules for sports – don’t strike out, don’t fumble, and make your foul shots!!!
You’d think Memphis, at their level, would know this, but it cost them a national championship. Not a bad March Madness, all in all. A bit too many blowouts, but there were also some really classic games. Now it’s on to baseball season and football is only months away.
So it’s been awhile, but I’ve been busy!! Between the NFL combined with March Madness, and, oh yeah, work, I have been somewhat lax on my blog. Not to worry, spring is coming, and it’s getting to be time to start that outdoor training again. If you have had a relatively inactive or limited winter, do not just jump into the same outdoor training program you finished with last year. You may have stayed in shape over the winter, but remember you will need to adjust to a new routine. So start gradually and work up to it.
Did you know this is the first time in history that the four Number 1 seeds have advanced to the final four in the Big Dance. All in all, I have been somewhat disappointed by the tournament. There were a few really great games, such as the heartbreaking Davidson loss to Kansas or the WVU/Xavier game. But for every great game there seems to have been a clunker, such as that unwatchable Texas/Memphis game that I forced myself to watch. Hopefully, final four weekend will be great. I have UCLA winning it all in most of my brackets, because of their defense. We’ll see.
Is Tom Brady really hurt? High ankle sprains can be pretty bad, requiring 4-6 weeks to heal. What is a high ankle sprain anyway?
When the syndesmosis (the ligamentous material that joins the two lower leg bones together) is injured, it is called a high ankle sprain. So in this case, I heard Tommy’s injury termed a “mild high ankle sprain” which should heal in 2–3 weeks. And then there are all the “Tom in a boot” and “Tom with a taped ankle” and “Tom with a noticeable limp” sightings — you’d think he was important or something! So is he really hurt, or is it a vast Patriot conspiracy to lull the Giants into a false sense of security? More importantly, will it affect him? 
If he truly is injured, I think it may, at least to some point. It’s been my observation that the only way to stay with the Patriots is to put pressure on Brady, you know, knock him around a little. If he is not 100%, maybe he’ll be a little slow stepping up in the pocket, allowing the Giants to get some pressure on him. Then maybe he throws a pick or two. Then again, maybe not. Is that high ankle sprain going to affect the outcome of this game? I doubt it.
New Years Day. The venison chili is on the stove, football is on the TV and it’s snowing – it doesn’t get much better.
The Michigan – Florida game is on TV. As a Penn State graduate, I am obligated to despise Michigan for 364 days a year (365 in the leap years). That being said, today I can root for them as they are fellow Big Ten members playing against a hated SEC opponent. For anyone who follows college football, this is a classic Big Ten vs. Southern Speed game, but Michigan is up by 7, no, make that 14, in the 3rd quarter. No, my beloved Nittany Lions did not get to a New Years Bowl Game this year, but they did beat Texas A&M on Saturday night.
Later today, we have USC and Illinois, and on January 7, the championship between Ohio State and LSU. I have to admit, I don’t like the idea of having to stay up to watch a game during a week night – I have to work in the morning! But sacrifices must be made. How about the NFL? The Giants actually showed me something on Saturday night. I didn’t think Eli had it in him. I will not be at all surprised if someone beats the Patriots in the playoffs. Watch out for the Jags – they’re playing like the Steelers are supposed to.
I generally don’t make New Years resolutions – too much pressure. However, there are some things, in no particular order, which I would like to see in the next few months – MAU basketball, boys and girls, to win a state championship. Cambridge boys basketball, led by my nephew Shea, to win a Section II championship. Cambridge girls basketball (my niece Amelia this time) to win. Penn State basketball to compete in the Big Ten. One day without hearing anything about politics. One day without hearing anything about the New England Patriots. Lot’s of snow. An accurate snowfall forecast. My dog, Duncan, to stick around for a little while longer – we still have things to do, buddy. My kids, Ben and Stasia, to continue to amaze and delight me everyday. Good health for my friends and loved ones.
Look at that – Michigan just upset Florida
That’s it. Happy New Year