Sports Advice Swimming /Softball: Playing it safe By Connie Domingo, MD

he winter blues are fading as the sun shines Although protective gear can be a key preventive at 90 percent. Proper coaching and execution later in the day. It is that time of year when measure, it is not always effective. Researchers can augment protective equipment. The use of Tchildren are outside practicing and playing have shown that even with protective gear the an automated external defibrillator (AED) can one of Marlton’s all-time favorite sports - baseball. fatality rate for cardiac arrest is alarmingly high prevent death by cardiac arrest if used promptly. Baseball is among the most popular and safest sports in which children and adolescents can participate. However, traumatic and overuse injuries occur regularly. The safety of the young athlete is a constant focus of attention among coaches and athletic trainers. They must remain knowledgeable FREE FREE and sensitive to the developmental and skill levels of YOGURT YOGURT the young baseball players and continue to modify Self Serve Buy 1 Yogurt Buy 2 Yogurts the rules for the safety of the child. In addition to Get 2nd Free Get 3rd Free Frozen Up to 8 ounces Up to 8 ounces the coaching staff, it is important that the parents Of equal or lesser value. Of equal or lesser value. and players understand preventative strategies that Yogurt With this Marlton Sports With this Marlton Sports Magazine coupon. Cannot be Magazine coupon. Cannot be minimize the risk of injury. combined with other offers. combined with other offers. Baseball is one of the safest high school sports Expires 7/31/14 Expires 7/31/14 YOGO-LICIOUS • MARLTON YOGO-LICIOUS • MARLTON in the United States with a reported injury rate of 1.26 injuries per 1,000 athletic exposures. Despite Kings Grant Shops the overall injury rate being low, the degree of Watch for Our Opening in May! 109 Merchants Way injury severity is relatively high. In youth baseball, Greentree Square most injuries to the head and face are attributed Marlton, NJ 08053 Shopping Center to being by a . The younger the (Between Whole Foods & Einstein Bros. Bagels) 800-308-4881 age group, the more frequently injuries occur 902 Route 73 during practices, rather than games. Pitchers Mon-Thurs 4pm-9pm Marlton, NJ 08053 Fri & Sat 2pm-10pm suffer noncontact overuse injuries, and the rate 11am-Midnight increases with each older age group. Sun 2pm-9pm Young pitchers have the potential to suffer See Daily Flavors at www.yogo-licious.com overuse arm injuries. The repetitive stress of throwing can lead to muscle fatigue resulting in muscle, tendon and ligament damage. Pitchers who continue to throw with their fatigued arm STUDENT ID DAY may risk permanent injury to their muscles, ligaments, capsules and bones. Mondays at Suede Three key elements help in preventing overuse injuries to pitchers: 50% OFF • Adhering to a limited number of daily pitches based on the player’s age as outlined by the 2010 ALL SERVICES* Little League Baseball guidelines When you present • Following the rest requirements between pitching assignments your Student ID • Following seasonal and yearly total pitching counts. BUY ONE It is also important to note that young pitchers GET ONE 1/2 OFF should avoid pitching on multiple teams Hair, Skin and Nail Products with overlapping seasons. Young pitchers that participate in preseason conditioning programs *Certain restrictions apply. Please call for details. can reduce the risk of throwing injuries. The Promenade Baseball players who suffer a direct hit to 500 Route 73 | Marlton, NJ 08053 the chest may develop cardiac arrest. It is the Phone 856.985.0700 | Fax 856.985.4772 second highest cause of death in young athletes. www.suedesalonspa.com

Spring 2014 23 Concussions and sports continue to draw ever-increasing attention and concern. High school baseball and softball data reflects low concussion rates for these sports. The two top activities associated with concussion in high school baseball were (36.7 percent) and running the bases (21.5 percent). The most recent concussion recommendations stress removing an athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion from play immediately, with no return to play on the What’s “buggin” you? day of injury. Resting the brain is key to the most rapid resolution of the concussion. Such rest includes no physical activity with minimal mental and social activity. The concussed athletes should seek Marlton, NJ prompt medical attention from an appropriate health care provider who specializes in concussion management. The athletes should only return to full sports activity when they receive medical clearance. 856-983-7707 Overall, youth baseball is a relatively safe sport for children. www.stephensexterminatingllc.com Although youth baseball injury rates are low, there are many opportunities for making it an even safer sport for children. Adhering RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL to appropriate coaching techniques, developmental considerations of Proud supporter of Marlton education and youth sports a growing youth, pre-season strength training and conditioning will all help to reduce injuries in our athletes. Baseball coaches should be routinely reminded to have a cell phone and emergency medical numbers at every youth baseball and softball activity in the event of a 10% OFF medical emergency. MSM with mention of this ad Connie Domingo, MD Medical Director Weisman Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital LIC. #97672A Consultant Pediatrics Rehab Physician at AUTHORIZED FIRM Shriner’s Hospital for Children

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24 Marlton Sports Magazine