Littauer campiagn seeks to curb injuries in young athletes Posted on October 20, 2010 by Dakota PikeAs reported by Jason Subic for the Daily GazetteSunday September 12, 2010GLOVERSVILLE — When Bill Oates was 10 years old, his Little League coach taught him how to throw a curve ball. When he was a freshman in college, he had “Tommy John” reconstructive surgery on his throwing elbow. Today he says both things should have never happened. “That’s an inappropriate age to teach that pitch. It requires a drastic amount of torque and strain on the elbow. You really can’t teach that kind of pitch until the pitcher is 16 to 18 when they have developed enough for that kind of violent pitch,” Oates said. “After the surgery my elbow never came back the same way. There’s a good chance it will be a major problem for me for the rest of my life.” Oates is the director of sports medicine and rehab at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville. He said his personal experience with an “over-use” sports injury motivated him to spearhead an effort to partner his hospital with the national STOP Sports Injuries campaign backed by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. He said Nathan Littauer Hospital is the first hospital north of New York City to join the campaign. “This is an awareness campaign where we are hopefully providing an education to the community about over-use injuries, concussions and heat illness,” he said. “Whether it be athlete, coach, parent, athletic director, pee wee supervisor — everyone needs to have the tools necessary to make a knowledgeable decision about keeping athletes safe on the field and out of the operating room.” Nathan Littauer Hospital is hosting an information clinic Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. at the Holiday Inn on Route 30 in Johnstown. The event will feature information about how to avoid common over-use sports injuries. Lisa Weisenberger, the director of communications for the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, said the STOP Sports Injuries campaign was launched in April because of a growing trend in serious mishaps. “More kids are participating in sports year-round and are specializing in sports, which is causing a lot of the injuries to happen,” she said. “We’re trying to really get a grass-roots effort going to educate people about this problem in local communities like Nathan Littauer’s. People need to remember that kids are not professionals and they aren’t meant to be pitching 180 times in a game and then pitching the next day.” Since 2000 there has been a fivefold increase in the number of serious shoulder and elbow injuries among youth baseball and softball players, according to a study by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. The same study found that among athletes aged 5 to 14, 28 percent of football players, 25 percent of baseball players, 22 percent of soccer players, 15 percent of basketball players and 12 percent of softball players were injured while playing their respective sports. The STOP Sports Injuries campaign provided statistics from medical studies that illustrate the trend toward more severe injuries among young athletes. According to STOP, more than 3.5 million children under age 14 receive medical treatment for sports injuries each year, with children ages 5 to 14 accounting for nearly 40 percent of all sports-related injuries treated in hospitals. More statistics are available on the group’s website, stopsportsinjuries.org. Oates said even in the cold weather of the Northeast young athletes can find ways to practice one sport year-round, which he said is a mistake. He said athletes should play several sports to give their bodies rest and develop different athletic skills. Nathan Littauer is also joining with Broadalbin-Perth Central School to implement new sports safety guidelines across the school’s sports teams. Oates said he will continually monitor how the safety guidelines are used and whether they appear to be preventing injuries.
Preventing Sports Injuries in Young Athletes Clinic Tomorrow Posted on September 14, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer Hospital Creates a Clinic to Help Young Athletes Play Safe and Stay in the GameGLOVERSVILLE, NY (09/14/2010)(readMedia)– Nathan Littauer Hospital has created a seminar to address the growing problem of youth sports injuries. And people are taking notice. “The STOP Sports Injuries campaign is proud to help support the work Nathan Littauer Hospital is doing to raise awareness about the topic of athletic overuse and trauma injuries in today’s youth. We look forward to the progress their efforts will make in the local community,” said James Andrews, MD, renowned Orthopaedic surgeon and STOP Sports Injuries, co-campaign chair.The seminar, held tomorrow night, will educate athletes, parents, trainers, coaches and healthcare providers about the rapid increase in youth sports injuries, the necessary steps to help reverse the trend and the need to keep young athletes healthy. STOP Sports Injuries campaign highlights include teaching proper prevention techniques, and discussing the need for open communication between the athlete and their support circle, including coaches, parents, trainers and their physicians.Littauer’s Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation TeamCheryl McGrattan Hospital spokesperson explained, “This is a timely issue. The response from the community has been great. We are expecting a lot of people tomorrow night.” She added,”The seminar Preventing Sports Injuries in Young Athletes will be given by some of the best physicians in their field.” The clinic will take place September 15, 2010, 6:30 at the Holiday Inn in Johnstown and will be led by Dr. Gerald Ortiz, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Todd Duthaler, Emergency Medicine Physician, Dr. Richard Solby, Pediatrician and William Oates, PT as they address sports injuries in young athletes.Driving the local initiative is Littauer’s Physical Therapist, William Oates. “I am extremely committed to this initiative” stated William Oates, Director of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation for Nathan Littauer Hospital. He added, “Simply put, we need to educate our region about how to prevent our young athletes from becoming injured for life. I myself suffered as a young athlete with an overuse injury.”“Regardless of whether the athlete is a professional, an amateur, an Olympian or a young recreational athlete, the number of sports injuries is increasing – but the escalation of injuries in kids is the most alarming,” said Dr. James Andrews adding, “Armed with the correct information and tools, today’s young athletes can remain healthy, play safe, and stay in the game for life.” With Nathan Littauer’s help Dr. Andrew’s vision of a healthy athlete will be realized in our area.If you would like to read more about this exciting initiative you can do so here: https://www.nlh.org/nlhblog/pressreleases/nathan-littauer-kicks-off-ground-breaking-awarness-campaignFree. RSVP required, 517-773-5533 or by email: stopssportsinuries.orgSeptember 15, 2010 at the Johnstown Holiday Inn.Program:6:00-6:30 Registration and Light Refreshments6:30-8:15 Program begins, presentations by Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Duthaler, Dr. Solby and Bill Oates.WHO:Nathan Littauer Hospital creates a seminar to prevent sports and overuse injuries in young athletes.WHAT:A seminar “Preventing Sports Injuries in Young Athletes”.WHEN:Wednesday September 15, 2010 at 06:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)WHERE:Holiday Inn 308 North Comrie Ave Johnstown, New York 12095NOTES:If you would like to read more about this exciting initiative you can do so here: https://www.nlh.org/nlhblog/pressreleases/nathan-littauer-kicks-off-ground-breaking-awarness-campaign
Wondering what to eat when you are on the run? PART ONE Posted on September 1, 2010 by Dakota PikeWondering what to eat when you are on the run? Today, NLH is introducing a new series, “Healthy Eating on the Run”, featuring our own Sandra Baldwin. We teamed up with Stewart’s Shops to bring you this video series. Watch the first episode here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLYPlM5O6zY
Hospital launches new series “Healthy Eating on the Run” Posted on September 1, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeSocial media campaign shows viewers nutritional options available at Stewart’s Shops. Tom Mailey of Stewart’s Shops chats with NLH’s Sandra BaldwinGloversville, NY…Nathan Littauer Hospital announced today a new program called ‘Healthy Eating on the Run’. With the help of Dietitian, Sandra Baldwin MS, RD. Littauer will launch a series of videos about how to make healthy choices even on the go. The three-part series will be launched on YouTube this week. “We decided to start at Stewart’s, a popular pit-stop when traveling.” said Sandra Baldwin. She continued, “With childhood obesity rates on the rise, I wanted to use a medium like YouTube to deliver that message.” The videos posted on You Tube, show nutritional options one can consider while at Stewart’s Shops.“It is a realistic approach to eating.” stated Cheryl McGrattan, Public Relations Director for Littauer. “Sandra has a nice way of empowering you – not discouraging you. She understands we are human beings.” Cheryl McGrattan noted, “She even explains how Stewart’s ice-cream can fit into a healthy living lifestyle.”The hospital worked closely with Stewart’s Shops to produce the series. “When we approached Stewarts with the idea they enthusiastically signed on. With 328 stores they were a perfect partner.” explained Sandra Baldwin. “We are always looking for ways to better serve our customers. Nathan Littauer’s videos will be a good resource for some of our Stewart’s customers to get the most out of their visits to our shops,” said Gary Dake, Stewart’s Shops President.“I believe awareness is the key to nutrition” states Sandra. According to her, the goal of the series is to empower people to make better choices when on the run. Sandra Baldwin received her Masters of Science in Human Nutrition. She is a Registered Dietitian, and is Certified in Adult Weight Management and Certified in Child/Adolescent Weight Management. “She is uniquely qualified to talk to kids about this topic” explained Ms. McGrattan.To see the series one can log onto www.nlh.org and press on the YouTube icon or by subscribing to Nathan Littauer’s Channel on YouTube. It will also be on their Facebook site. Stewart’s also plans on using the series on their Facebook site. You can see the first series here: Healthy eating on the run, PART ONEXXX Nathan Littauer Hospital and Family of Health Services serves Fulton, Montgomery and Hamilton Counties Upstate New York with a full-service 74-bed hospital, eight primary care centers, 84-bed nursing home and a community education center. The hospital opened 116 years ago, has 950 employees and recently opened a new Emergency Care Center this spring.
Nathan Littauer kicks off ground-breaking awareness campaign Posted on September 1, 2010August 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeYoung Athletes Overuse Their Bodies and Strike Out Too EarlyNathan Littauer Hospital Commits to Helping Young Athletes Play Safe and Stay Healthy Gloversville, NY –– Leaders at Nathan Littauer Hospital are coming together with the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, National Athletic Trainers’ Association, National Strength and Conditioning Association and Safe Kids USA to launch the STOP Sports Injuries campaign in the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley and beyond. Nathan Littauer is partnering with the Broadalbin-Perth Central School District to help get the word out about preventing sports injuries. “The STOP Sports Injuries campaign is proud to help support the work Nathan Littauer Hospital and Broadalbin-Perth School District is doing to raise awareness about the topic of athletic overuse and trauma injuries in today’s youth. We look forward to the progress their efforts will make in the local community,” said James Andrews, MD, renowned Orthopaedic surgeon and STOP Sports Injuries, co-campaign chair.Dr. Klausner speaks at the press conference“Nathan Littauer is uniquely positioned to address this issue.” explained Laurence E. Kelly, Littauer’s CEO and President. “With our medical team, our Rehabilitation Team and our new Primus capabilities, we are fully committed to help our area’s youth as they participate in the sport of their choosing. With our region’s love of sports, we were compelled to take on this weighty, albeit largely unknown issue.” Joining the awareness campaign, is Stephen Tomlinson Superintendent of Schools Broadalbin-Perth Central School District, who said, “The Broadalbin-Perth Central School District Board of Education, coaches, and administration are very excited to join forces with Nathan Littauer Hospital and the STOP Sport Injuries campaign to raise the awareness of all Broadalbin-Perth coaches and athletes on the dangers of sport related overuse injuries. We are confident this initiative will result in a reduction in the rate of overuse injuries at Broadalbin-Perth.” Littauer’s campaign also has received some support from the coaching community. Johan Aarnio Head Coach of Men’s Soccer at the University of Albany when hearing of Littauer’s efforts added, “As coaches we must watch closely the tolerance level of our young athletes. Often this thermometer will direct us to alter, add to or eliminate practices and training methods for the sake of injury prevention. Common sense, knowing your athletes and your sport should lead the way in student athlete welfare.”The campaign will educate athletes, parents, trainers, coaches and healthcare providers about the rapid increase in youth sports injuries, the necessary steps to help reverse the trend and the need to keep young athletes healthy. STOP Sports Injuries campaign highlights include teaching proper prevention techniques, and discussing the need for open communication between the athlete and their support circle, including coaches, parents, trainers and their physicians. Littauer will deliver a six-point awareness campaign in the coming months. The plan includes: two community seminars, development of specialized coaching trainings, healthcare professional training, and clip boards for coaches with tips about concussions, regular meetings with Athletic Directors, and “tips of the seasons” mailings.“The signature piece of the campaign is a free seminar we are hosting this September for the community. The seminar Preventing Sports Injuries in Young Athletes will be given by some of the best physicians in their field.” stated hospital spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan. The clinic will take place September 15, 2010, 6:30 at the Holiday Inn in Johnstown and will be led by Dr. Gerald Ortiz, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Todd Duthaler, Emergency Medicine Physician, Dr. Richard Solby, Pediatrician and William Oates, PT as they address sports injuries in young athletes.Driving the local initiative is Littauer’s Physical Therapist, William Oates. “I am extremely committed to this initiative” stated William Oates, Director of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation for Nathan Littauer Hospital. He added, “Simply put, we need to educate our region about how to prevent our young athletes from becoming injured for life. I myself suffered as a young athlete with an overuse injury.” The hospital is poised to deliver information to coaches, parents, medical staff and athletes about prevention measures.“Regardless of whether the athlete is a professional, an amateur, an Olympian or a young recreational athlete, the number of sports injuries is increasing – but the escalation of injuries in kids is the most alarming,” said Dr. James Andrews adding, “Armed with the correct information and tools, today’s young athletes can remain healthy, play safe, and stay in the game for life.” With Nathan Littauer’s help Dr. Andrew’s vision of a healthy athlete will be realized in our area.xxx Compelling Statistics on a Growing Epidemic:There is a growing epidemic of preventable youth sports injuries that are dismantling kids’ athletic hopes and dreams at an early age. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), participation in organized sports is on the rise. Nearly 30 million children and adolescents participate in youth sports in the United States. This increase in play has led to some other startling statistics about injuries among America’s young athletes. Sports injuries can cause permanent damage and increase the chances of surgeries and arthritis later in life. If an injury does occur, early identification and proper treatment is the key to a successful recovery. Armed with the correct information and tools, today’s youth athletes can remain healthy, play safe, and stay in the game for life.High school athletes account for an estimated 2 million injuries and 500,000 doctor visits and 30,000 hospitalizations each year.1More than 3.5 million kids under age 14 receive medical treatment for sports injuries each year.1Children ages 5 to 14 account for nearly 40 percent of all sports-related injuries treated in hospitals. On average the rate and severity of injury increases with a child’s age.4Overuse injuries are responsible for nearly half of all sports injuries to middle and high school students2Although 62 percent of organized sports-related injuries occur during practice, one-third of parents do not have their children take the same safety precautions at practice that they would during a game.2Twenty percent of children ages 8 to 12 and 45 percent of those ages 13 to 14 will have arm pain during a single youth baseball season.3Injuries associated with participation in sports and recreational activities account for 21 percent of all traumatic brain injuries among children in the United States.4According to the CDC, more than half of all sports injuries in children are preventable.By age 13, 70 percent of kids drop out of youth sports. The top three reasons: adults, coaches and parents.2Among athletes ages 5 to 14, 28 percent of percent of football players, 25 percent of baseball players, 22 percent of soccer players, 15 percent of basketball players, and 12 percent of softball players were injured while playing their respective sports4Since 2000 there has been a fivefold increase in the number of serious shoulder and elbow injuries among youth baseball and softball players.4 References:1. JS Powell, KD Barber Foss, 1999. Injury patterns in selected high school sports: a review of the 1995-1997 seasons.J Athl Train. 34: 277-84.2 Preserving the Future of Sport: From Prevention to Treatment of Youth Overuse Sports Injuries.AOSSM 2009 Annual Meeting Pre-Conference Program. Keystone, Coloradohttp://stopsportsinjuries.reingoldweb.com/files/pdf/Option-B.pdf*American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, AAOS Now, 2009
