Presents statistics on injury patterns in youth sports, recommending that physicians who care for young athletes understand the kinds of injuries likely to be sustained. Awareness of injury patterns helps medical professionals identify variables associated with injury, anticipate or prevent injuries, plan medical coverage, and compare individual…

This article discusses the need for certification of fitness instructors in the aerobic dance/dance-exercise industry and presents results of a survey of 18 agencies that certify instructors. Survey data has been compiled and published. An excerpt is included which lists organizations, training, certification and renewal procedures, publications,…

The adult victim of accidental head injury as a result of an automobile accident recounts his experiences as a brain injured adult with such problems as poor balance, poor speech, spasticity, and lack of fine motor movement. He emphasizes his determination to get on with his life. (DB)

This article discusses reasons for the increase in basketball-related injuries, describes common injuries, outlines steps for diagnosis and treatment, and offers recovery and prevention strategies. (IAH)

Headaches experienced by athletes are categorized (exertional, effort, and trauma-triggered migraines), and treatment methods related. Consequences of misdiagnosis, lack of reporting, and poor monitoring are discussed as well as categories of athletes most likely to suffer sports-related headaches. (IAH)

Drinking patterns, alcohol expectancies, and coping strategies were assessed for 121 persons with recent spinal cord injuries during hospitalization, 3 months after surgery, and 12 months after surgery. Although the rate of heavy drinking decreased, preinjury problem drinkers still had the lowest rate of positive reappraisal, problem solving, and…

This study compared the neurological state and results of treatment for patients with traumatic spinal cord injury who were intoxicated (n=424) or sober (n=769) on admission to a Warsaw (Poland) hospital. In the intoxicated group, the number of patients with symptoms of complete spinal cord injury was much greater than that of the sober group. (DB)

Study investigates whether epidemiological data describing injuries could help physicians differentiate intentional from unintentional injury. Case vignettes describing child's injury were sent to 280 physicians. Responses were received from 59 percent; 48 percent were pediatricians, and 37 percent had trained in emergency medicine. Pediatricians…

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons launched a national public education campaign focusing on the problem of injuries related to playground equipment. The article presents several of its recommendations for playground safety and provides instructions for obtaining a free brochure. (SM)

Discusses typical playground hazards, environmental factors affecting safety in play areas, playground safety guidelines and standards established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Society of Testing Materials, and playground surfacing and equipment. Offers suggestions for reducing the number and severity of playground…

At many high schools, participation in football is declining. Many potential players choose to participate in other sports. Demographics is also seen as a contributor to the decline. In addition, many students are choosing other activities such as after school jobs instead of high school athletics. (IAH)

Eating and drinking places reported large numbers of workplace injuries and illnesses, primarily to teenagers and women who comprise most of the industry's work force. Sprains, cuts, and burns were leading work disabilities. (Author)

Reviews causes and treatment of heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and exertional heatstroke and discusses the effectiveness of cooling heatstroke victims in ice versus cooled water. Cooled water appears to be as effective, though ice water decreases the incidence of cardiovascular complications. An energy depletion model is presented. (Author/SM)

Describes the scope and importance of gastrointestinal bleeding in runners and other athletes, discussing causes, sites, and implications of exercise-related bleeding. Practical tips to mitigate the problem, potentially more troublesome in women because of lower iron stores, are presented (e.g., gradual conditioning and avoidance of prerace…

Reviews physical, cognitive, and behavioral characteristics of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can place a child at risk for poor school adjustment. Proposes an ecological approach to school-based assessment and interventions that considers developmental factors and quality of the school environment. Discusses key issues for school success…