Winter Exercise Story from SLU Quoted Across the World

Many different media outlets have utilized quotes from an article quoting Tony Breitbach, the Director of SLU's Athletic Training Education Program.

Here are some of the links:

Healthfinder.gov

Newswise.com

First Coast News, WTLV NBC-12 and WJXX ABC-25 - Jacksonville, FL

WGBA NBC-26, Green Bay, WI

WCAX-TV 3, Burlington, VT

WGEM NBC-TV, Quincy, IL

KAIT ABC-8, Jonesboro, AR

WKRN ABC-2, Nashville, TN

WXIX FOX-19, Cincinnati, OH

WAVE NBC-3, Louisville, KY

WTOC CBS-11, Savannah, GA

KPAX CBS-8, Missoula, MT

WBTV CBS-3, Charlotte, NC

KTVN CBS-2, Reno, NV

Yahoo Health

USA Today.com

MSN Health

The Times of India

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and blessed holiday season!

Program Director Cited in SLU Newslink Article

December 16, 2009
By: Carrie Bebermeyer
314.977.8015
bebermcl@slu.edu

Five Ways to Weather Winter Sports
SLU Expert Offers Tips to Avoid Exercise Hazards

Winter weather doesn't have to derail your exercise routine, says a Saint Louis University exercise expert. As you adjust to darker days, colder temperatures and slippery surfaces, however, it's important to be mindful of safety issues that come with the territory of winter workouts.

Students get a workout during a snowball fight.

"A change in weather should bring a change to your mindset. As temperatures get colder, it's important for athletes to adjust their routines," says Tony Breitbach, Ph.D., director of athletic training education at Saint Louis University. "You need to have a winter sports strategy.

"If you plan well, you'll be able to keep up with your routine fairly easily. Being aware of winter's challenges is the best way to avoid injury."

Breitbach offers the following tips to avoid injury during winter months:

Watch what you wear

In mustering the will power you'll need to continue your workout in sub-zero weather, you'll make it easier if you dress for temperature extremes. Dress in layers for outside exercise. The layer closest to your skin should be made of breathable wicking material, avoiding cotton which retains sweat. Next, add a thermal layer of fleece or cotton to keep in heat, and use a third, outer layer as a cover. As you start to heat up you'll be able to peel off layers to manage your comfort level.

And, remember: your furthest extremities are the first to be affected by the cold, so watch for pain or tingling in your ears, fingers or toes as a signal that it's time to go inside to warm up.

Watch what you eat and drink

For many of us, the holidays bring temptations in the form of rich foods, holiday drinks and sugary desserts. If you over-indulge, you'll need to step up your workout just to maintain your current level of fitness.

Staying well-hydrated is another concern during cold winter months because of dry air and indoor heat. Drink plenty of fluids, though be sure to avoid caffeine and alcohol-based beverages which also lead to dehydration.

Watch for hazards

An after-work run in August is a chance to enjoy the long summer evenings of daylight. In winter, it's likely dark before you ever make it home from the office. Use caution when running after dark by wearing light-colored, reflective clothing so that drivers can see you.

Watch out for overuse

Because there are fewer exercise opportunities in winter, be careful to avoid over-doing it with one activity. Activities like running in the park, golfing and swimming may not be options in the winter; instead, you may find yourself working out on hard, unforgiving surfaces like gym floors or concrete, which can exacerbate over-use issues.

The bottom line? Think outside the gym. Be creative, trying ice-skating, cross-country skiing or a yoga class as your exercise.

Watch out for injuries

While you may be alert to obvious winter hazards, like icy sidewalks during a run, some more subtle dangers come from moving the game indoors.

If you play court sports like basketball and racquetball in winter months, for example, you may be sharing the space with more people, so be aware of the greater chance for falling or colliding.

Different activities require different shoes. Your summer running shoes don't work well on the basketball court. Be sure you switch to shoes with good traction to help avoid collisions and avoid ankle injuries.

For more information on SLU's athletic training education program go to http://www.slu.edu/x22340.xml.


Long a leader in educating health professionals, Saint Louis University offered its first degree in an allied health profession in 1929. Today the Doisy College of Health Sciences offers degrees in physical therapy, clinical laboratory science, nutrition and dietetics, health informatics and information management, medical imaging and radiation therapeutics, occupational science and occupational therapy, and physician assistant education. The college's unique curriculum prepares students to work with health professionals from all disciplines to ensure the best possible patient care.

Fall Semester Wrapping Up Briskly

Athletic training student Kellie Black made a presentation today in MAT 565: Research in Athletic Training on "NSAID Use in Athletes".

Fall classes have wrapped up and finals are underway for our students.  The cold spell in the midwest has made it easy to stay inside and prepare for exams.  Fortunately we have avoiding the heavy snowfall in the upper midwest and western Missouri.  But since many of our students live in those areas we hope all of them travel home safely.

We are excited for a restful holiday break and look forward hopefully to the spring.  Spring activities include the final stages of program accreditation and the graduation of our first Master of Athletic Training class.

Congrats to the Webster Groves Statesmen!

Congratulations to Webster Groves High School, who won the MSHAA State Class 5 Football Championship today at the Edward Jones Dome versus Fort Osage High School.

Webster Groves is a clinical site for our program, where Head Athletic Trainer Sean Wright serves as an approved clinical instructor.  Students Heather King and Ann Schmerbauch had a thrilling fall working with the Statesmen.

Read about the game here.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

The faculty and staff of the SLU Athletic Training Education Program would like to express how genuinely thankful we are for all of the gifts that have been bestowed upon us...we are truly blessed!

To be helping students prepare for a lifetime of service...in a community such as Saint Louis University, we are truly fortunate!  In addition to that, we are amongst family and good friends!

Safe travels to all over the break!

Thank you to the blog "Rome of the West" for the beautiful photos on this post!

There are many more beautiful photos on the site, to see them go to: http://www.romeofthewest.com/

SLU Students Participate in Hall of Fame Showcase

The Saint Louis University Athletic Training Education Program served as host athletic trainers for the Basketball Hall of Fame Showcase Men's Basketball Event on November 17, 2009 at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.  This year's event featured the University of Louisville vs.the University of Arkansas and the #1 ranked University of Kansas  vs. the University of  Memphis.  It provided a great opportunity for our students to coordinate a large off-site event and they also had the opportunity to network with the athletic trainers and other staff for these schools.

Jake Blasingame and Kellie Black served as hosts for the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Kansas Jayhawks.

Geanie Butts and Mollie Cole served as hosts for the Louisville Cardinals and the Memphis Tigers.

Playing the Field (Trip)

Students from our program went on a field trip to the Russell Training Center at Rams Park. It is the practice facility for the NFL's St. Louis Rams. Rams athletic trainer James Lomax graciously provided our students with a behind the scenes glimpse into the life of an athletic trainer in the NFL.

Indoor Practice Facility

Rehabilitation Pool

Cold and Hot Pools

Locker Room

Weight Room

Equipment Room

Busy Time of the Year

The fall sports are winding down and the winter sports are ramping up, making this a busy time of the year for athletic trainers everywhere!

In addition to that...our students have a full docket of classes, which are keeping them busy!

Some photos of the activities....

Emily Monahan experiencing a diathermy treatment.

Ann Schmerbauch and Geanie Butts testing the effectiveness of a therapeutic modality.

The student assigned to Washington University are poised and ready! Jacob Blasingame, Kellie Black, Meghan Gehrs and Laura Gosewisch.


They spring into action when there is an injury with Washington University Head Athletic Trainer Rick Larsen observing closely.

Athletic Training Students Named All-Atlantic 10

Saint Louis University sophomore athletic training major Hilary Orf became the first Billiken to claim Atlantic 10 Cross Country All-Conference honors after placing 13th at the A-10 Championships Saturday morning at Forest Park in St. Louis.

The meet was run on a muddy course at Central Fields in Forest Park. Both the men's and women's team finished 11th, with Orf leading the women and senior Neal Rodrigues leading the men' squad.

"Hilary claiming an All-Conference honor speaks volumes to the direction the program is headed," SLU head coach Jon Bell said. "It couldn't have happened to anyone more deserving. She has worked hard and is starting to mature as a runner.

See the article from the A-10 website


Saint Louis University field hockey sophomore Nicole Kent (Pewaukee, Wis. / Arrowhead) earned second-team All-Atlantic 10 Conference honors, and freshman athletic training major Lexie Lindblad (St. Louis, Mo. / Ursuline) was voted to the All-Rookie team after a vote of the league's head coaches.

Lindblad appeared in all 17 games and finished third on the team in scoring with four points. Her first collegiate goal proved to be the game winner against Robert Morris. Lindblad also tallied against No. 16 Massachusetts, her second score of the season. She was the only Billiken newcomer to score more than one goal on the year.

See the Field Hockey All-Atlantic 10 list here

Autumn at SLU

After over a week of rain and cold...today was a a beautiful fall day!

7o degrees and sunny!

CBS's 60 Minutes Features Concussions in Sports

60 Minutes on CBS produced a feature on concussion in sport on Sunday, October 11. 2009.

The links are below:

"A Blow to the Brain"

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5377319n

"What Parents Need to Know"

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5377301n

SLATS Shows Homecoming Spirit!

Saint Louis University's Homecoming weekend took place on the weekend on September 25-26, 2009. The events included a golf cart parade through the pedestrian mall on the main campus and several athletic events. SLATS (Saint Louis University Athletic Training Society) participated in the parade with a decorated golf cart and athletic training student Emily Monahan was voted homecoming queen!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO OF EMILY'S CORONATION CEREMONY

New-elected officers of the SLU Athletic Training student association "SLATS" at the Homecoming Golf Cart Parade. Pictured from left are: Meghan Gehrs (activities co-coordinator), Emily Monahan (secretary-treasurer) and Jacob Blasingame (vice-president).
Kellie Black (president) and Laura Gosewisch (activities co-coordinator) were not pictured.

The back of the SLATS Golf Cart.

The front of the SLATS Golf Cart.

Friday Night Lights!

The SLU Athletic Training Education Program is fortunate to have added a new clinical site at Webster Groves High School. Their athletic trainer, Sean Wright, also teaches at the school and is an excellent clinical instructor for the program. Heather King and Ann Schmerbauch are the students assigned to the site and they are having a great experience. The Statesmen beat Rockwood Summit 35-14 in their opening game.

Ann Schmerbauch, Sean Wright and Heather King

The early season humidity kept the sports medicine team busy!

Welcome New Students!

The Athletic Training Education Program welcomes our new students to SLU!!!!

Classes start on the 24th and there is a busy schedule of Welcome Week activities!

Click on the logo to learn more about those activities...

Beating the Heat

Dr. Tony Breitbach, Director of the SLU Athletic Training Education Program, was featured on the KPLR WB11 news on August 10, 2009. He was interviewed on the NATA recommendations regarding acclimatization and practice in the heat.

SEE THE VIDEO HERE

Rage Wins Conference Title, Playing for IFL Championship

The RiverCity Rage beat the Wichita Wild 43-20 on Saturday, August 1, 2009 and will represent the United Conference to play the Intense Conference winners, the Billings Outlaws in the first ever 2009 IFL United Bowl Championship on Saturday August 15 at 3:15 p.m. central time. This is the first time in the history of the RiverCity Rage to be a part of the League Championship.

Rage Athletic Trainer and SLU Faculty Member Jason Bennett hoists the Conference Championship Trophy.

For more info see: http://www.ragefootball.com/

St. Louis abuzz with the All-Star Game festivities

Having the 2009 All-Star Game in St. Louis is a great opportunity for a fan of any baseball team who lives in St. Louis! It is not just a game on a Tuesday night, its a weeklong showcase for the city! The Sheryl Crow concert under the Arch on Saturday night, the Celebrity and Futures Game on Sunday, the Home Run Derby on Monday, and the All-Star Game itself on Tuesday...even the rain can't ruin a good time!

NEWS! click here to go to the STLToday All-Star website

BASEBALL! click here to go to the MLB All-Star website

SOCIAL HAPPENINGS! click here to go to the Metromix All-Star website

Busch Stadium is decked out!

AIMS Workshop Participants Get Hands-on Sports Medicine Experience

The AIMS Summer Workshop, offered to high school students through SLU's Practical Anatomy Workshop took place during the last week of June.

The AIMS Summer Workshop began in 1993 as an overview of anatomy and introduction to careers in the health care field. Graduates of this program are already at work in the field of medicine. Physicians and professionals from various medical specialties provide programs in their areas of expertise through 3-D presentations, hands-on laboratory experiences, case studies and group discussions, and patient interaction. All students have an opportunity to observe a live surgery during the AIMS Workshop.

The Athletic Training faculty and the Athletics staff gave the students hands-on Sports Medicine experience at Chaifetz Arena.

Medicine Ball Toss in Strength and Conditioning Center

Slide Board Demonstration by

Strength and Conditioning Coach Erick Schork

Using PVC Pipe to Work on Lifting Technique

Ankle Taping Practice in Athletic Training Room

Program Director Quoted in St. Louis Newspaper Regarding Sickle Cell Trait Testing

Message goes out on sickle cell trait
By Stu Durando
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Tuesday, Jun. 30 2009

The NCAA is recommending that all member schools conduct the same screening for sickle cell trait that Missouri recently said it was putting into effect.

The recommendation released Monday was the result of a lawsuit resolved between the NCAA and the family of Dale Lloyd II, a former Rice football player who died in 2006 following a practice. Lloyd carried the sickle cell trait, which was ruled to have contributed to his death.

Missouri announced this month a plan to test its athletes. In 2005, Mizzou football player Aaron O'Neal died of viral meningitis, according to the Boone County medical examiner. However, other experts said sickle cell trait played a role.

Approximately two-thirds of NCAA Division I schools already conduct the test. An estimated one in 12 African-Americans carry the trait, according to the American Sickle Cell Anemia Association.

"This is something that has to be not only on the athletic trainer's radar, but on the administration's and coach's radar,'' said Tony Breitbach, director of the athletic training education program at St. Louis University."We need to educate coaches on the symptoms and that they can kill. We have to allow athletes, without repercussion, to step out of an activity instead of feeling like they have to finish. When someone has been identified and becomes symptomatic, what looks like a lack of conditioning could be the beginning of a process that could cause their death.

''SLU does not routinely test, although an official said athletes are handled on a case-by-case basis. Illinois athletes have been tested for many years.Missouri agreed in March to pay O'Neal's parents $2 million. The family's lawsuit included claims that medical personnel were not familiar with symptoms related to exercise and the sickle cell trait.

The Associated Press reported recently that court depositions revealed medical officials at the voluntary workout where O'Neal died had little knowledge of warnings that signal a problem.
Missouri announced its plan to conduct tests before the NCAA made its recommendation. Tests in Columbia will be done even if someone claims to know of the trait's existence, according to athletic department spokesman Chad Moller."

It was decided collectively by our physicians and head (athletic) trainer that as part of our annual physicals — they're going to make this part of it automatically,'' he said. "Previously, our kids were given an option of being tested. Now it is going to be part of our regular process."

Breitbach said it is likely that all NCAA schools will follow the recommendation because any further deaths related to sickle cell trait "will show negligence on your school's part.''

The National Athletic Trainers Association released a consensus statement regarding sickle cell trait in 2007, noting its role as the third-leading, non-traumatic cause of sports deaths in high school and college athletes.

The organization recommended at the time that colleges test athletes. The statement said that of 13 college football deaths related to the condition, nearly all occurred at schools "that did not screen for sickle cell trait or had a lapse in precautions for it.''

NATA referred to the condition as the least understood of the four most common non-traumatic causes of death.

"It's treated differently than heat stroke,'' Breitbach said. "Sometimes when someone has a sickle cell episode, all they're thinking of is cooling the person. The best treatment is to keep the person hydrated and really watch their symptoms and get them out of activity.

''As part of its resolution with Lloyd's family, the NCAA agreed to donate $50,000 to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America and produce an educational video that will be available on the NCAA website and to all schools.

The family of Ereck Plancher has a lawsuit pending against the University of Central Florida following his sickle cell-related death after a football practice in March 2008.

Summer Internships Going Well

The SLU Athletic Training Education Program's first students are now out on the summer field experience, internships that take place between their professional years in the program.

Ilene Chambers is affiliated with Kevin Templin ATC at The Orthopedic Center of St. Louis. She is getting valuable experience with an athletic trainer who functions as a physician extender with Dr. Mark Miller. She has made several posts on Dr. Miller's blog, read them at: http://www.markmillermd.com/blog.html

Eric Sass is affiliated with Collinsville Physical Therapy & Wellness athletic trainer Katie Chadwick as she serves as the Athletic Trainer for the St. Louis Athletica. He is getting a great experience working with a professional soccer team. Read more about the Athletica at: http://www.womensprosoccer.com/stlouis

Kellie Black is affiliated with Jason Bennett PT, ATC, SCS as he serves as the Head Athletic Trainer for the River City Rage arena football team. She is making the most of this excellent opportunity. To read about the Rage go to: http://www.ragefootball.com/

Heather King is affiliated with Becky Eggers ATC of Athletico as she works at the Athletic Trainer at Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park, IL. She is getting real experience with the life of a high school athletic trainer. For more info about Athletico go to the Athletico website or also go to the Nazareth Academy website.

Hoops R Us

The SLU Athletic Training Education Program once again provided medical care to the participants at the Nike Hoop Jamboree, an invitational camp featuring 100 top basketball student-athletes from all over the country aged 16 and under. In addition to basketball coaching, the players all engaged in leadership training and community service.


It took place at the Simon Recreation Center on the SLU campus and this partnership with Nike provides a great opportunity for our athletic training faculty and students.

MoATA Meeting Wraps Up with Great Participation

The 2009 Missouri Athletic Trainers' Association meeting took place on June 5-6th at Saint Louis University. The SLU Athletic Training Education Program and the Doisy College of Health Sciences served at the host for over 140 attendees. No official numbers have been kept for the meetings, but it was thought this was the largest group ever to attend a MoATA Annual Meeting.

On-site registration pushed the attendance to unprecedented numbers.

The Doisy College of Health Sciences atrium provided a great venue for the exhibitors.

Dr. Mark Reinking, Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, greeted the group on Saturday.

The lectures took place in the well-equipped auditorium.

The sunny day created a beautiful atmosphere in the Multipurpose Room for the large numbers at the Hall of Fame and Honors Luncheon.

Ten SLU Athletic Training Students took advantage of the student sessions and attended the luncheon.

The labs at SLU created and excellent setting for the hands-on sessions.