The Kentucky Derby is just around the corner, and I have always found this time of year very exciting- filled with weeklong events, parties, nostalgia, pride, and hope with a twist of competition and mint juleps to top it all off. To watch twenty of the world’s fittest, most beautiful horses in the run for the roses and a hundred and fifty thousand fans cheering them on-what energy, sounds, and the feeling of the earth rumbling under the hooves of the horses in the fastest two minutes in sports. In anticipation of the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby things may have changed, but in my experience the most important things about the sport have not changed -joy, fun, excitement and camaraderie.
In the first part of this two part series we talked about youth sports safety and the importance of protecting our youth from physical harm on and off the playing fields. What happened to youth sports of years past when I was a kid? We played baseball spontaneously and for the fun of it. Today’s organized youth sports seem to have taken on a whole new attitude with the final result being a win for the team. In too many cases it seems kids are forced to play the game to satisfy their parents, and fun seems to be minimized. Where are the coaches who spend their time and energy focused on developing skills, building self-esteem and instilling the importance of good sportsmanship to their players instead of keeping score?
What has happened? We read about parents from coast to coast who have become so overcome with rage that they assault coaches and players alike. They shout, scream, hit, fight and in some cases pull knives send people to the hospital-over a game that is supposed to be fun, and exciting while building self-esteem.
Emotional abuse occurs when someone treats another in a negative manner which impairs the person’s concept of self. A few examples of emotional abuse are: forcing a child to participate in sports, yelling at a child for not playing well or when they lose, punishment for not playing well or losing, and criticizing and/or ridiculing a child for their sports performance.
The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation believes healthy philosophies foster emotionally healthy children. We should be proactive in eliminating destructive philosophies such as winning at all cost and that self-worth relies on wins and losses. Parents should refrain from negative activities like booing or taunting and yelling or arguing with game officials, parents or players. Parents should never hit another parent, player or official, or use profane language or gestures. The American Sports Education Program suggests, “Athletes First, Winning Second.” We as adults need to lead by example by instilling the concept of having fun and enjoying the game. These concepts will encourage an environment in which youth will learn and develop into the athletes of the future- both mentally and emotionally.
There are numerous benefits for parents and children who participate in sports. Competition in a friendly environment can develop better coping skills with competition in other areas of their lives. Social benefits provided by sports may be what draw children to sports in the first place. Physical benefits are many but research has shown that children who are involved in sports make better food choices than their counterparts who are not active. Emotionally, being a member of a team can help increase a sense of self worth when the emphasis is on group success.
Parents, remember your involvement can be either negative or positive. The child who receives positive attention without pressure will enjoy a great season of fun and reap good memories that will last a lifetime. Positive actives will encourage your child to grow not only emotionally but physically and socially as well. The Kentucky Derby is the oldest continuous sporting event in America, and that might be because it’s a competition filled with fun, cheers, excitement and anticipation of winning -but in the end a run for the roses makes you a winner.
Resources:
American Sports Education Program: www.asep.com
National Youth Sports Safety Foundations: www.nyssf.org
Positive Coaching Alliance: www.positivecoach.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.bam.gov
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Young Bones, Young Minds: Part One
Young Bones, Young Minds: Part One
When I think back on my childhood I reminisce about fishing, horseback riding, gardening and learning to fly. I often thank my lucky stars that I escaped adolescence alive and without a life altering injury. I used to dream about being a rootin’ tootin’ rodeo cowboy. That was replaced by dreams of being a corporate pilot. As fate would have it, a horsing accident left me with a fractured elbow and a concussion. Fifteen hundred pound animals falling on top of you are dangerous and can cause injury. As I learned to fly, who would have thought you could get hurt soaring the skies and barnstorming the high school band? My senior year in high school, I missed a flight with my best friend / flight instructor that ended in tragedy- a fatal crash killing all on board. The twist and turns of my life led me away from my childhood dreams of rodeos and airplanes. These roads led me to nursing- which on some days is like a rough day at the rodeo, both physically and emotionally. In nursing I have also suffered injuries ranging from needle sticks to an injured shoulder. My point is no matter what we do there are risks of injury. What’s important is we enjoy what we are doing, use a little common sense and protect ourselves the best we can.
Since April is National Youth Sports Safety Month, it’s a good time to think about the risk of physical injuries related to sport activities and ways to prevent them. I support and encourage all children and adolescents to participate in sports and activities that promote regular physical activity. Sports provide numerous physical and social benefits important in developing healthy lifestyles and strong social skills. The downside is there are risks of sports related injuries that range from serious brain and spinal cord injuries to scrapes and bruises. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that more than 30 million children participate in organized sports in this country, and still more participate in informal sports related activities. When less than 2% of these children report to emergency rooms for treatment of injuries these numbers seem low- until your child is the one hurt. A few simple precautions and good common sense will help prevent injuries.
For starters, make sure there is sufficient safety equipment for everyone on the team and it is properly maintained and in working order. Make sure everyone playing knows the proper use of their equipment and uses it- even during practice. According to the CDC 62% of organized sports related injuries occur during practice. Treat injuries with “RICE” REST: Reduce or stop using the injured area for at least 48 hours. ICE: Put an ice pack on the injured area for 20 minutes at a time 4 to 8 times per day. COMPRESSION: Ask your healthcare provider about elastic wraps, air cast, or splints to compress an injured ankle, knee, or wrist to reduce swelling. ELEVATION: Keep the injured area elevated above the level of the heart to help decrease swelling. Seek medical attention for severe or persistent pain.
Be heat- smart and play it safe: Take regular fluid breaks every 20 minutes to drink at least 8 ounces of water. Wear light colored breathable clothing and make player substitutions more frequently in the heat. Use misting sprays on the body to keep cool. Know the signs of heat related problems and seek medical attention immediately-confusion, dizziness, fainting, headache, nausea, weakness, dilated pupils, pale and moist or hot dry skin. If any combination of these symptoms are present, or if a child just does not seem right to you, play it safe and seek immediate medical attention.
It is equally important to protect our youth from emotional injuries and abuse. Emotional injuries often go unnoticed but could result in lifelong effects. So, be sure to read part two on this important sports safety topic next week. Important resources for players, coaches, and parents will be included.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
When I think back on my childhood I reminisce about fishing, horseback riding, gardening and learning to fly. I often thank my lucky stars that I escaped adolescence alive and without a life altering injury. I used to dream about being a rootin’ tootin’ rodeo cowboy. That was replaced by dreams of being a corporate pilot. As fate would have it, a horsing accident left me with a fractured elbow and a concussion. Fifteen hundred pound animals falling on top of you are dangerous and can cause injury. As I learned to fly, who would have thought you could get hurt soaring the skies and barnstorming the high school band? My senior year in high school, I missed a flight with my best friend / flight instructor that ended in tragedy- a fatal crash killing all on board. The twist and turns of my life led me away from my childhood dreams of rodeos and airplanes. These roads led me to nursing- which on some days is like a rough day at the rodeo, both physically and emotionally. In nursing I have also suffered injuries ranging from needle sticks to an injured shoulder. My point is no matter what we do there are risks of injury. What’s important is we enjoy what we are doing, use a little common sense and protect ourselves the best we can.
Since April is National Youth Sports Safety Month, it’s a good time to think about the risk of physical injuries related to sport activities and ways to prevent them. I support and encourage all children and adolescents to participate in sports and activities that promote regular physical activity. Sports provide numerous physical and social benefits important in developing healthy lifestyles and strong social skills. The downside is there are risks of sports related injuries that range from serious brain and spinal cord injuries to scrapes and bruises. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that more than 30 million children participate in organized sports in this country, and still more participate in informal sports related activities. When less than 2% of these children report to emergency rooms for treatment of injuries these numbers seem low- until your child is the one hurt. A few simple precautions and good common sense will help prevent injuries.
For starters, make sure there is sufficient safety equipment for everyone on the team and it is properly maintained and in working order. Make sure everyone playing knows the proper use of their equipment and uses it- even during practice. According to the CDC 62% of organized sports related injuries occur during practice. Treat injuries with “RICE” REST: Reduce or stop using the injured area for at least 48 hours. ICE: Put an ice pack on the injured area for 20 minutes at a time 4 to 8 times per day. COMPRESSION: Ask your healthcare provider about elastic wraps, air cast, or splints to compress an injured ankle, knee, or wrist to reduce swelling. ELEVATION: Keep the injured area elevated above the level of the heart to help decrease swelling. Seek medical attention for severe or persistent pain.
Be heat- smart and play it safe: Take regular fluid breaks every 20 minutes to drink at least 8 ounces of water. Wear light colored breathable clothing and make player substitutions more frequently in the heat. Use misting sprays on the body to keep cool. Know the signs of heat related problems and seek medical attention immediately-confusion, dizziness, fainting, headache, nausea, weakness, dilated pupils, pale and moist or hot dry skin. If any combination of these symptoms are present, or if a child just does not seem right to you, play it safe and seek immediate medical attention.
It is equally important to protect our youth from emotional injuries and abuse. Emotional injuries often go unnoticed but could result in lifelong effects. So, be sure to read part two on this important sports safety topic next week. Important resources for players, coaches, and parents will be included.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
April is STD Prevention Month
April is Sexually Transmitted Disease/Infection (STD/STI) prevention month, making this a perfect time to discuss a very sensitive subject we are all a part of. It is very disconcerting to hear others imply that sexually transmitted infections are for the” ignorant or poverty stricken.” This head in the sand approach to a disease affecting one in two sexually active people contributes to the problem. STDs cannot be stereotyped to a location, gender, age, race or socioeconomic status. STDs affect celebrities, professional athletes, business executives, politicians, high school / college students, ministers, nurses and yes, even doctors. The rich and famous are not immune to STDs.
The United States is a marvel of advanced medical technology, making it easy to detect most STIs early by either peeing in a cup, drawing a little blood or simply being swabbed. We are probably not marveled for our ability to openly discuss sex and its possible complications-both emotionally as well as physically-with our children, family, or healthcare providers. It is estimated that more than half of all people in the United States will have an STI at some point during their lifetime. This staggering statistic is not only a community health issue; it also has an impact in real dollars and cents to the individual as well as the taxpayers.
Chlamydia is the most common STI, and it’s estimated that one in ten women/girls will test positive for the bacteria. Untreated Chlamydia infections can lead to a more serious problem called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which can cause infertility. Guys, Chlamydia is very common in us too so it is important to get tested every year once you become sexually active- even if you do not have symptoms. Luckily, Chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics. On the other hand genital herpes is a lifelong but manageable disease. Studies suggest up to 90% of people with herpes are unaware they have it. With more than 50 million adults in this country alone, and 1.6 million new cases yearly, it is estimated by year 2025 up to 40% of men and half of all women could be infected.
Mom/dad if you do not discuss sex with your teen then who will? There is a great website: www.iwannaknow.org this is a valuable resource for parents, teachers and teens on the many sensitive common questions about sex, sexual health, and sexually transmitted infections. Parents, it’s important to be approachable by your teen. Learn how you can be an Askable Parent –learn how and get informed- at iwannaknow.org. The best part is it’s free. Sexually transmitted infections take two to transmit, be an active participant in delivering a clear message that shows respect, value and love for your children. Be clear that you want to communicate; it’s sometimes embarrassing to discuss sex but acknowledge the discomfort, be open, supportive and explain.
STIs affect people of all backgrounds, income and ages including, increasingly, people over the age of 50. We need to realize and be sensitive to how difficult it may be for old and young alike to openly discuss sex, relationships, and sexual health. It is important to have a healthcare provider whom you feel comfortable enough with discussing your sexual health, and they need to be comfortable enough to discuss, screen and treat if necessary. If your healthcare provider is uncomfortable discussing all aspects of your health -which includes sexual health- it might be time to do a little shopping for a provider who can treat all of you. Make the decision to talk with your healthcare provider about your sexual health. Talk with your teenagers about sex, sexuality, sexual health and the importance of screenings and testing in the absence of abstinence. These conversations may be a little uncomfortable in the short run, but they could save you both a life time of regrets.
Resources:
www.iwannaknow.org
www.youngmenshealthsite.org
www.ashastd.org
www.cdc.gov
Your local Health Department offers free confidential STD / STI screenings and treatments. Be smart- get tested.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
The United States is a marvel of advanced medical technology, making it easy to detect most STIs early by either peeing in a cup, drawing a little blood or simply being swabbed. We are probably not marveled for our ability to openly discuss sex and its possible complications-both emotionally as well as physically-with our children, family, or healthcare providers. It is estimated that more than half of all people in the United States will have an STI at some point during their lifetime. This staggering statistic is not only a community health issue; it also has an impact in real dollars and cents to the individual as well as the taxpayers.
Chlamydia is the most common STI, and it’s estimated that one in ten women/girls will test positive for the bacteria. Untreated Chlamydia infections can lead to a more serious problem called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which can cause infertility. Guys, Chlamydia is very common in us too so it is important to get tested every year once you become sexually active- even if you do not have symptoms. Luckily, Chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics. On the other hand genital herpes is a lifelong but manageable disease. Studies suggest up to 90% of people with herpes are unaware they have it. With more than 50 million adults in this country alone, and 1.6 million new cases yearly, it is estimated by year 2025 up to 40% of men and half of all women could be infected.
Mom/dad if you do not discuss sex with your teen then who will? There is a great website: www.iwannaknow.org this is a valuable resource for parents, teachers and teens on the many sensitive common questions about sex, sexual health, and sexually transmitted infections. Parents, it’s important to be approachable by your teen. Learn how you can be an Askable Parent –learn how and get informed- at iwannaknow.org. The best part is it’s free. Sexually transmitted infections take two to transmit, be an active participant in delivering a clear message that shows respect, value and love for your children. Be clear that you want to communicate; it’s sometimes embarrassing to discuss sex but acknowledge the discomfort, be open, supportive and explain.
STIs affect people of all backgrounds, income and ages including, increasingly, people over the age of 50. We need to realize and be sensitive to how difficult it may be for old and young alike to openly discuss sex, relationships, and sexual health. It is important to have a healthcare provider whom you feel comfortable enough with discussing your sexual health, and they need to be comfortable enough to discuss, screen and treat if necessary. If your healthcare provider is uncomfortable discussing all aspects of your health -which includes sexual health- it might be time to do a little shopping for a provider who can treat all of you. Make the decision to talk with your healthcare provider about your sexual health. Talk with your teenagers about sex, sexuality, sexual health and the importance of screenings and testing in the absence of abstinence. These conversations may be a little uncomfortable in the short run, but they could save you both a life time of regrets.
Resources:
www.iwannaknow.org
www.youngmenshealthsite.org
www.ashastd.org
www.cdc.gov
Your local Health Department offers free confidential STD / STI screenings and treatments. Be smart- get tested.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Dying to Perform!
With the start of the baseball season just around the corner, it is a shame to hear all the talk about a few of baseball’s famed players using performance-enhancing drugs- Anabolic-androgenic steroids. Baseball is not the only sport disgraced by steroid use. Cyclists, football players, track stars, and athletes in a variety of fields have used steroids. Just about any sport you can think of has been in the news exposing steroid use by one or more of its players at some point. Often we forget about the high school student who is under tremendous pressure to perform better on the field of their chosen sport. Sometimes a sports scholarship is on the line, or maybe it’s the approval of team mates, coaches or their parents. We often forget about those who do not play sports but are under the same types of pressure to look better, be stronger, and sexier. The young people in our community are at risk, and we need to be proactive by bringing awareness to parents, coaches, users and potential users.
The reasons for using steroids vary from person to person but the premise is all the same. People want to look better, grow bigger, perform better, and do it faster with less work. The young people in our communities are the students in your classrooms, those you coach, and even those living under your roofs. The dreams of our youth differ from those they idealize in that they are young and full of idealistic expectations of the world around them. If we do not teach them the importance of protecting their health, then who will?
Juice, Roids, Gym Candy, Pumpers, Balls or Bulls, or just A’s are some of the common street names associated with steroids. A few of their trade names are Winstrol, Quinolone, Equipose, Dihydrolone, Decadurabolin, and Anaxvar. These drugs come in different forms from liquids, to pills to injections. Many users will take different types of steroids in combination with other drugs which is known as “stacking”.
Short term signs and symptoms associated with steroid use are rapid weight gain, rapid muscular development, acne flare up (especially on the back), oily skin, fluid retention, mood swings, depression, and aggressive behavior. Young people often feel invincible, and steroid use can worsen these feelings causing them to use poor judgment that could lead to injury. Side effects of Anabolic Steroids for men are: development of breasts, male-pattern baldness, severe acne, oily skin, increased body hair, shrunken testicles, impotence, sleep disorders, muscle cramps and joint pain. Female side effects include: increased facial and body hair, severe acne, oily skin, lower voice, genital enlargement, reduction in breast tissue, and menstrual irregularities. The long term life threatening / altering conditions related to steroid use in adolescence range from stunted growth, liver diseases (including tumor growth, malignant cancers), cardiovascular disease, hypertension, clogging of the arteries, decreased sperm count, impotence, mental disorders including depression, paranoia, delusions, and addictions / dependency. The hazardous practice of needle sharing can lead to HIV, AIDS and Hepatitis B or C.
A 2006 study by the University of Michigan reported that 2.7% of high school seniors said they had tried steroids at least once in their lifetime. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 2007 study reported that 3.9% of high school students’ grades 9 – 12 answered yes to the following question: “Have you taken a steroid pill or shot without a doctor's prescription once or more in your lifetime?” It is important to discuss openly with teens about health risks and potential legal consequences of steroid use. Steroids are a schedule III controlled substance and being in possession without a prescription could carry a maximum 3 years imprisonment penalty if treated as an indictable offense.
If your teen is using steroids it is important to seek professional help from a healthcare provider. Sudden cessation from steroids can lead to withdrawal symptoms which could include fatigue, restlessness, insomnia, headaches, uncontrollable rage, and depression- including suicidal thoughts or actions.
Talk, watch and listen to those who matter in your life. Their life may depend on it!
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
Resources:
Healthy Competition – www.healthycompetitiontn.org
Mayo Clinic – www.mayoclinic.com
National Institute on Drug Abuse – www.nida.nih.gov
National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign – www.theantidrug.com
Monday, March 2, 2009
People, Pets and Poison
March 15 – 21 is National Poison Prevention Week. When I think about poison, I often reminisce about a childhood incident where I accidentally drank bleach that my mom had put in a glass where she was working on laundry. As kids do, I ran in from playing and before she could turn around I had taken a gulp of the bleach. Poisoning can happen that quickly-everyday! Unlike myself, not every kid has a mom who’s a nurse; however, we do have a poison helpline at 1-800-222-1222 that is open 24/7. The poison helpline is staffed by nurses, doctors, pharmacist, or other poison experts. These experts are trusted and relied on by hospitals, healthcare providers and emergency workers in our communities.
What is a poison, and what does it look like? I still associate the image of the skull and cross bones emblem my parents drilled into my head as a child as a poison. Unfortunately, there are so many everyday household products that could poison you, your family or your pets, so let’s do a quick review.
Poison Help defines a poison as anything that can harm someone if it is used in the wrong way, used by the wrong person, or used in the wrong amount. Contact with poisons can occur by entering your eyes, by inhalation, or by touching your skin. Examples of poisons include: alcohol; medications; food supplements like vitamins, minerals, and herbs; personal care products such as nail polish, cologne, deodorant, mouthwash, hydrogen peroxide, make-up, soap, contact lens solutions, lotions, baby care products; and household products like bleach, detergents, polishes, drain and toilet bowl cleaners, antifreeze, and paint products. Other risks include some plants, mushrooms, spiders, wasps, bees and, snakes. As you can see, poisons come in many different forms and may be disguised in friendly packaged products we use every day.
So, what is the importance of a Poison Control Center to our community? The Tennessee Poison Center estimated that the state”would pay $5,789,200 yearly (based on 2007 hospital cost) if the Tennessee Poison Center were not available…” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that unintentional poisoning was second only to motor vehicle crashes as a cause of unintentional injury death in 2005. In 2000, poisoning led to $26 billion in medical expenses and made up 6% of the economic costs of all injuries in the United States (CDC). It is estimated that every dollar spent on a Poison Center saves the state $7; therefore, a Poison Center’s economic impact is significant.
The following tips can help prevent poisoning: Choose products in containers that are hard for children to open. Remember no container is guaranteed child proof. Keep all household products, strong chemicals, and medicines locked up and out of sight. When products are in use, never let young children out of your sight. Take the child or product with you when answering the phone or doorbell. Keep products in the containers they came in. Take and give medicine in a well-lit area. Check the dosage every time. Avoid taking medicine in front of children. NEVER CALL MEDICINE CANDY! (CDC)
Remember, if a person is unconscious, not breathing, or is having convulsions or seizures due to poison ingestion or contact call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. If someone comes into contact with or ingested a poison, and has mild or no symptoms, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
The Poison Control Center provides limited assistance regarding pets. Currently there is not a free poison information help service for pets; however, I am aware of two fee based services- The Pet Poison Help Line @ 1-800-213-6680 and the National Animal Poison Control (ASPCA) @ 1-888-426-4435. Some manufacturers will cover the cost of the ASPCA service if their product is the cause of the poisoning. Be sure to take extra precautions to protect pets, because they face the same poisoning risk we do.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com
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