Paul Meznarich
715-838-5805
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — March is national Athletic Trainers Month. Licensed athletic trainers often serve as the first line of defense for athletes against sports-related injuries.
Kurt Jacobson, licensed athletic trainer
In addition to working with patients, Luther Midelfort’s licensed athletic trainers provide support at several area high schools: Augusta, Eleva-Strum, Elk Mound, Fall Creek, Mondovi, Osseo-Fairchild, Pepin and Plum City. Licensed athletic trainers from Luther Midelfort Northland provide support to Barron and Cameron high schools.
Luther Midelfort licensed athletic trainer Kurt Jacobson offers athletes 10 tips that could ward off injuries or improve performances on the playing field:
Tip #1: Sleep
- Eight to nine hours is ideal. Most teens average about seven hours, while 26 percent get six hours or less!
- Challenge: Many teens don’t feel sleepy until 11 p.m. or midnight because of caffeine and other stimuli.
- Bonus tip: Open curtains in the morning — sunlight is a good wake-up tool.
Tip #2: Hydration
- Before, during and after the event.
- Bonus tip: Urine should be clear if you’re properly hydrated.
Tip #3: Stretching
- Start with an “active” warm-up.
- Bonus tip: Hold stretches for at least 30 seconds to lengthen muscle fibers.
Tip #4: Evaluate pain
- Don’t ignore pain.
- Bonus tip: Whether it’s a traumatic injury or a chronic/over-use injury, seek medical attention before a bad injury turns worse.
Tip #5: Iron
- Iron aides in oxygen delivery and cell growth within the body.
- Bonus tip: cereal, cream of wheat, sunflower seeds and potatoes are excellent sources of iron.
Tip #6: Food choices
- Plan and pack healthy food and snacks.
- Bonus tip: Convenience foods aren’t always the healthiest.
Tip #7: Rest
- Give your body a chance to heal or recover from a workout with rest.
- Bonus tip: Taking breaks from your sport also can help keep you mentally fresh and decrease the chances of feeling “burned out.”
Tip #8: Be properly equipped
- Replace old and worn equipment.
- Bonus tip: Don’t underestimate the value of mouth guards.
Tip #9: Calcium
- Calcium helps keep bones and muscles strong.
- Bonus tip: Female athletes are particularly susceptible to calcium deficiencies. You cannot “catch up” on calcium deficiencies.
Tip #10: Be clean
- Wear clean clothes.
- Many skin conditions are easily avoidable through proper hygiene.
- Bonus tip: Don’t forget to wash your hands! (H1N1, meningitis, colds and flu)
Luther Midelfort Sports Medicine provides comprehensive care to athletes, from X-ray and diagnosis to treatment and surgical repairs to rehabilitation and performance enhancement.
For more tips or to schedule an appointment, contact Luther Midelfort Sports Medicine at 715-838-MEND (6363).
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In partnership with Mayo Clinic, Luther Midelfort offers a full range of quality medical services, including cardiac and orthopedic surgery, cancer and trauma care programs. Through a network of community-based healthcare providers in west-central Wisconsin, Luther Midelfort provides access to experts close to home.
