Certified Athletic Trainer | Educator | Motivator
Sandy Krum

All posts tagged athletes

NATM - Chicago with Mayor Emanuel & Ald. Tunney

NATA Month

“We’ve got your back!” is the theme for this year’s National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Athletic Training month, proclaiming March as “NATA MONTH”.  I like it, but the statement could also read ‘we’ve had your back and will always have your back!’

The profession of Athletic Training is so much closer to conquering the due recognition the field deserves but as close as it is, that’s how far off it just may be. To remedy this, my message today includes a few tips about what you yourself can do to help promote the profession.

The 45,000 members of the NATA all strive to increase recognition for the profession and ethically represent their profession at the highest regard. The message, sooner or later, has to get out. Right? That message?

NATA Coverage for ALL

NATM 2014

The mandatory presence of a Certified Athletic Trainer at every high school sporting event Nationwide is paramount. This is the only way to prevent the mounting injuries and unnecessary deaths that occur each and every year due to the lack of qualified medical attention present, ready, and prepared to care for our athletes. Having the information in hand on how to treat concussions is one thing. Having top notch ATC medical care at the ready is another. It is our job as ATHLETIC TRAINERS and members of the NATA to effortlessly promote the profession and educate the public on the roles we assume each and every day. Athletic training has changed so much through the years and has advanced to such wonderful levels. Folks, we can go higher and achieve greater. The mission of teaching has to take place daily by each and every one of us. Spread the word, inform others, engage in dialogue, and reach out to your local legislators. Similarly, continue to let people know the difference between an Athletic Trainer and a personal trainer.  Be proud to be a member of the NATA.

Respect the Path of the Profession

As advanced as we think we are today, we could only have ‘achieved’ our present position through the hard work and desires of our predecessors. Be it Pinky Newell or any one of the innovators, the NATA has become what it has through the tireless efforts of so many. Have you thanked and or shared the message of your predecessors? Personally, I thank the endless number of mentors I had as a child growing up wanting to be an athletic trainer. “Thank You” Larry Starr, Kent Biggerstaff, Larry Mayol, Jeff Cooper, Bill Buhler, Gene Gieselmann, Tony Garofalo, Dave Pursley, and many more! Your influences on the profession deserve kudos in many regards and I personally want to thank each of you for sharing your guidance and wisdom with me and so many.

The NATA first met with about two hundred members.  Some 64 years later the profession has grown leaps and bounds.

My other question to you: Have you done all you can do to help promote our profession? This is National Athletic Training Month. This, of all months, is your opportunity to reach out and become involved. Many of you are saying you have no time and you already do enough to help promote the profession. Au contraire!

I offer several possible scenarios with each involving little to very little effort!

*   Pick up the phone and reach out to a media outlet in your hometown and offer to draft a PSA recognizing March as NATA month. Call the sports department of your local newspaper or the beat writer of your high schools sports team. Have them write about the profession calling special attention to members in the local community, thus further helping us educate the public.

*    Write a blog post similar to this writing for your local newspaper or media outlet.

*    Write and post social media entries promoting the month of March and our profession.

*    Call local legislators, town committee members, mayors, and government officials. Show up at a city council meeting and offer a resolution proclaiming March as Athletic Training Month.

The onus is on us to further educate and our jobs are not done until each and every person knows who and what Athletic Trainers are! Just as we challenge our athletes and ever-growing patient populations to be the best they can be, this month (and every month for that matter) the challenge is ours. The challenge is about each and every athletic trainer promoting the NATA and advancing our profession.

Assorted Rolls Of Tape…

Chicago City Council - NATM Resolution

The above photo is from the March 5, 2014 City of Chicago Council meeting held at City Hall. I simply reached out to a local alderman and asked that a resolution on behalf of the NATA be introduced into City Record.  Athletico  accompanied us to City Council that morning as Alderman Tom Tunney presented the resolution for record to Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the rest of the Aldermanic body. Congratulations are in order to the NATA and its members.

 

Time to make the Change!

With a time change happening for many of us, how are you going to adjust with an extra hour of sunshine? I always love this time of year as it sends a message to get outdoors and become active. As active as we are, it’s also important to ensure we don’t lose track of our current sleep patterns. Are you currently getting enough rest? Just checking…

Enjoy March everyone. No need to worry, “we’ve got your back!”

SAK

Reference: NATA.ORG

Photo from the left: Todd Nettelhorst, Mallory Mihalov/ATC, Sandy Krum/ATC, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Lindsey Otte/ATC, Tony Garofalo/ATC, Payten Gerjerts/ATC, Alderman Tom Tunney


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The box of curveballs and the key to the batter’s box. That’s what started my job as clubhouse helper, then batboy, for the visiting teams at Wrigley. I found my passion early!

Eleven or twelve years old and I had a set of keys to get in and out of Wrigley as I please. Back then there was only one guard, and it took everything and anything to keep him awake all night. This was the old Pinkerton guard company. The guy would make his rounds every so often and when he was drunk or tired and I was up and about I would sometimes make the rounds on my own. It was the coolest thing, me walking with this encased pc of equipment that I could key in to various locations around the park. Ticket office, check. Concessions areas, check! Up the ramps to the press box, done. Out to the bleachers, done. Visiting and home clubhouses, done.  Front office, done. Oh those smells of the ballpark were priceless.

Sometimes I would have dinner with the guy, or even order from Pat’s Pizza.

What a trip. Just me and the guy in the chair at Clark and Addison. He was usually asleep at the rickety warn down pass gate. I loved the guy so, as he was one of the main reasons I got access to the park every day.

There was Gene the guard, Ron the clubhouse attendant, Gary and his wonderful loving father Bill, Dennis the clubhouse assistant, and me.  We would handle everything from unpacking bags to lining up bat bags, doing player laundry and uniforms. There were so many towels, the Four Seasons housekeeping department would have a hard time keeping up. And the industrial dryer that was big enough for several players to get in and take a spin.

And we would feed them. Rarely did a guy get up at the hotel in Chicago and go to the coffee shop or even better yet, order room service. The big shot guys, of course. The rest of the team including coaches and athletic trainers needed to eat, especially with such early arrivals.

Remember, they were all day games back then. So the clubhouse became the player’s restaurant as well. Eggs made to order, no problem. Food takeout, Money!

Every morning started with a grocery run: Two dozen donuts, three gallons of milk, two loaves of bread and some eggs! And don’t forget the newspapers at the El.

Thank G-d for YumYum donut shop in the parking lot. I made a lot of money running back and forth to YY. Three double cheeseburgers, fries, a malt, NLT! Fred and his ladies knew the food was for the players so they would let me throw the burgers on the grill and help them wrap the order. Lines were long at the favorite spot, especially for the glazed, and I just walked right up to the grill and threw my orders on. This led to huge tips as I could be back in no time just to repeat it. Rain delays were the best…

And the reason I title this the box of curveballs and keys to the batter’s box?

Those are the two things I was on a constant running search for days… (until I figured that I was on a wild goose chase…)

“Hey Sandy, can you go find the “box of curveballs” or, “Sandy go to the front office and get the keys to the batter’s box. ”  Lol. Growing up fast @ Wrigley.

 

 


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The Masters: Augusta, Ga.

I’m thrilled to just have had the opportunity to watch a practice round @ Augusta in preparation for this week’s Masters tournament. Actually, Corporate and I just attended one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. We made the Southerly jaunt along with hundreds of thousands. The old saying is practice makes perfect, hence my desire to see a practice round. Throughout my years in athletic training rooms and clubhouses around the world, one message has never changed:  Practice like you play and you’ll play like you practice!

FOCUS

Focus is the intensity expected every minute you are on that piece of cardio equipment or running trail attacking your workout. When at the gym, there may be several televisions mounted from the ceiling in front of you, one usually with sports and the other showing mindless news from a distant land. Yes, there’s a clicker available, but only for those who are not focused and are there for the wrong reasons. You DID NOT come here to watch TV! For me, it’s hard enough to stay focused on my breathing, my GAIT, my stride length, my posture, and everything else I need to concentrate on to make this the best workout without these distractions.

This morning’s LA TIMES was so hard to read without my glasses. I usually read the local paper first thing and then further attack anything that sparks my interest via the web and other media outlets. I know the newsprint and format are of legit quality and the lighting in my apartment is cool. The problem I may be having you ask? Auspiciously, perhaps with a little more FOCUS, I can fix this with a quick visit to either an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. This is an opportune time to introduce you to Dr. Michael Peters of Raleigh, North Carolina. Mike and I worked together while in baseball at AA Zebulon. He was instrumental in making our championship team click, especially when it came to the players we had wearing contact lenses. We really were fortunate to have Mike available, especially with his interest in sports vision and ability to translate that passion into helping our hitters see the ball to the BEST of their ability, day and night! Easier said than done, but perfected by Peters. He currently oversees care of the NHL’s Carolina Panthers.

To give you an idea, in his latest book, ‘See to Play’, eminent optometrist Michael Peters, addresses every aspect of this vital component of elite athletics. Included in his writing are in-depth discussions of all facets of vision accompanied by myriad of exercises to help athletes hone and condition peripheral vision, acuity, speed of focus, eye-hand-body coordination, and more. His techniques also help the older veteran athlete play young and the weekend warrior gain the edge! Constructed for athletes of all ages, this essential book will truly enhance you or your child athlete’s ability to see to play! I really enjoyed the read and think there’s something for everyone here!

EXERCISE AND INTENSITY

For me, workouts are planned out by writing an exercise journal daily. With this method, goals are easily attainable. It’s knowing exactly what to accomplish and wanting to be as FOCUSED on the activity as possible, not distracted by something that may inhibit or slow my progress. For those using headphones for the encouraging music, rock on dudes! For those watching those monitors, WRONG! ASK yourself if these media sources are having a positive or negative influence on your training and ability to reach the goal you set out to conquer!

Your focus should be on getting your workout in, perhaps getting to the gym, working out with the utmost intensity for the 90 minutes, and getting out! Are you putting 110% into your training? Is your intensity as great as you want it to be? Are there any distractions in front of you or in your ear that are not allowing you to stay focused?  Stop the distractions, get into the zone, and get the most out of today’s session!

BACK TO AUGUSTA

Focus is just as important on the golf course as the best golfers in the world compete. Each of these athletes is focused, not only on their conditioning and workouts, but also in their approach to their initial tee shot, fairway play, and green play. After all, is the goal not to wear the famed Green Jacket? Do you have the same desire for that jacket?

Earlier this week I spoke with John Adam, an ATC and strength/conditioning coach for the PGA Tour and currently at The 2013 Masters. We were introduced many years ago. He comes from the same baseball class as Garafolo, Starr, Monohan, Gieselman,  Buhler, Pursley, Letendre , Spicuza, Mayol and the rest of the athletic training All Stars. The old school gang, if I may. John was another of the fine mentors that played an integral part on my journey as an apprentice and up and comer. “Pristine, well-manicured hedging, and something like ‘Disneyland’ Special!” These are the descriptors Adam’s used to describe the location all ‘GOLF EYES’ will be on for the weekend to come. I have to agree and also throw compliments to the fine staff @ Augusta. What a first class operation! John worked many seasons in MLB, most notably with the Milwaukee Brewers alongside Bob Euker, Robin Yount, Dale Sveum, and who could forget Ben Ogilvie. Euker would often say, “It’s a wonderful day for GOLF!”

John Adam: you taught me so much along the way and I am grateful to you for treating me with the upmost respect from the minute I was introduced to you as a young minor league Athletic Trainer. For this, I say Thank You! Best wishes to you and Biggie (Kent Biggerstaff – same position with the Seniors Champions Tour) as you both continue to keep the finest golfers in the world focused on both the PGA TOUR and SENIORS CHAMPIONS TOUR. Enjoy Augusta and all the best my friends!

For now, I sign off by saying stay FOCUSED on your workout intensity, FOCUS on your eye exercises, and remain focused on that Green Jacket!

Until next time, Best! Sandy

PS: Stay tuned…your introduction to “The Highway” is coming soon and it’s something very special.


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BL ALUMNI

     As the lights just dimmed on Season 14, I can’t give enough credit to all of the great transformations I just witnessed.  It was really a special evening to see all of you walking with that air of confidence and strutting with your chests out proud (AND RIGHTFULLY SO).  You all remember that sense of accomplishment, just hoping someone you hadn’t seen in a while noticed the new you!  Realizing the work you just put in paid off!  Realizing this is the happiest you’ve been in a long, long time!  Realizing your dreams!  Those of you who returned to welcome your new family members looked just as proud and full of love.  What a healthy environment, right?

     The questions I pose today to all of you to ask yourselves: “ How am I going to keep that battery charged and walk with that GAIT Sandy spoke of often on the ranch? “  Take a moment today to reflect momentarily on the past and ask “what is on my agenda to keep my light bulb lit and shining at its optimal wattage?”  True, some of you need to replace a bulb but once the bulb is in the fixture, know that you all have the tools and knowledge to keep that bulb burning for a long time…with full glare!!!

     “How do I know if my bulb is functioning at its peek level?” “Am I journaling?” “Am I counting calories?” “Am I weighing my foods?” “Am I planning meals for the week for myself and loved ones?” “Am I eating with a plan as proposed by H and Forberg?” “Am I snacking correctly?” “Am I incorporating the prescribed workout time to stay at maintenance?” “AM and PM?” “What am I doing at work to help keep myself functional and active?” “Can I be doing more?” “Am I treating my injuries and am I working to tolerance with the same?” “Am I making excuses ?”

     If you are on point, tremendous!!!! If your bulb needs replacing or if there is a short in the wire, well its time to change the darn thing!!!  Today is the day to do just that!  And if you’re not sure where the closest hardware store is or what wattage you need, please reach out to me and know that I will do my best to lead you.  Wishing you all continued success and love.

sak


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The Athletic Trainer & Musculoskeletal Injury

Returning from injury is often quite difficult. Most athletes have the “competition ” frame of mind and are really not focused on the task at hand: taking the time to allow sufficient healing ( vs. Disrupting). The athletic trainers role is to assist in Getting the athletes’ Psyche and present physical condition onto the same page . In essence, it’s crawling before you walk, and walking before you jog, and jogging before you run. This is on going  checks and balances system that keeps the two in sync.

When and how fast can athletic trainers push my athletes?

The athletic trainer has basic protocols to follow in regards to injury treatment and return to activity protocols. Importance lies in following not only the trainers protocols, but more importantly, the Physicians.
Daily , frequent , open,  Dialogue between the trainer , athlete, and physician are paramount as the athlete progresses from stage to stage. This bond strengthens with each success and strengthens even more with each failure. True!
Some good questions to ask yourself are: what psyche is the athlete presenting with today and is he or she ready to face the task at hand? How will today’s activity benefit the entire rehab process? Have I / we accomplished what was needed prior to achieving this next task? Have I/ we focused on sport specificity training ? What am I going to do with the answers to these questions?

My body wants to do something but my mind won’t allow it.

Fear of re injury and experiencing “that pain” again are all too common in injury rehab . The good athletic trainer establishes the dialogue of what to expect, what is common, what is normal vs abnormal , and
Performs a full gamete of tests to ensure the athlete will not do further injury . Why is the pitcher afraid to “let it go” after surgical repair and rehab . Why is the running back afraid to cut sharply to his left or right? The athlete has to re experience success, albeit gradually, until these fears and built up walls get knocked down.

What are you doing to help your athletes overcome these common fears?

Are you ensuring your athletes are well hydrated , getting proper nutrition, getting proper rest?  Are they following your medical teams outlined rehabilitation prescription.?Overlooking these basic principles can be just as injurious.

Reference

Ardern CL, Taylor NF , Feller, JA, Webster, KE FEAR OF REINJURY IN PEOPLE WHO RETURNED TO SPORT FOLLOWING ACL RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY, J SCI MED SPORT, NOVEMBER 15 2012, 488-495.

Cooper B. ATTACK OF THE NAGGING FEARS!, Runners World, Sept. 2011, 60-69.