Links and Resources

Here are some interesting links.


CommotioCordisis caused by a blow to the chest (directly over the heart) that occurs between heart contractions. The blunt force causes a lethal abnormal heart rhythm. It is not determined by the speed of the impact. According to the U.S. Commotio Cordis Registry, since 1998, 130 athletes have died from blunt force injury to the heart (Commotio Cordis). Of those, 70 were children ages 4-18, according to the Heart Center at TUFTS New England Medical Center. In an effort to educate the public about the potential risks physically active youth can face, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Age-Specific Task Force recommends that parents and coaches take proactive steps to protect their athletes against Commotio Cordis. Ways to help are: The NATA recommends continued research on Commotio Cordis because current information is limited. However, use of properly fitted, quality chest protectors are recommended to reduce the risk of injury to the athlete. Ensure all protective equipment fits properly and is used as intended by the manufacturer. Use all-purpose sports chest protectors during practices and games. Teach athletes how to protect themselves against chest injuries. Maintain an even and clean playing surface. . Here is some information on how it happens and why it happens.


Momsteam.com - Here is a link/site for parents with tons of useful information regarding sports specifically for parents. Their goal is to create a safer, saner, less stressful, and a more inclusive youth sports experience for all. They have an article on hazing and how is it best to talk with a coach or official, etc. It has blogs, videos, forums etc. The site has info on nutrition, successful parenting, and safety information. Also included on the site is a page devoted to cardiac awareness which is a must view. I strongly encourage you to visit this site.

Nineteen - They also put together a page that has all the athletes that tragically lost their life during sports during the fall of 2003 (including second impact syndrome, commotio cordis, and heat stroke). Hopefully we can learn from some of these unfortunate incidents to help prevent future loses.

Team of Angels - Teamsofangels.org - This is a site for promoting an overall safer sporting environment for youths. Their mission: Creating a Safer youth experience. Their Philosophy: The number of children who suffer catastrophic death or injury while playing sports is on the rise. Tragically, many of the lives lost could have bee saved had proper precautions and safety equipment had been available Goals: To reduce the number of catastrophic injuries and deaths in youth sports simply and cost-effectively by providing critical and reliable information.

Physsportsmed.com - Here is a guide for eye protection in sports and statistics on eye injuries.

Eye injury statistics and protective goggles - Can you guess which sport is #1 in eye injuries?

Physsportsmed.com also has a search site as well to research athletic injuries

Dentagard.com - Why is it important to wear mouth guards in all sports? Take a look at these athletes who didn’t (WARNING - GRAPHIC!)

Mouthguards - Here is another link supporting mouthguards from Mom's Team. Why are they so important? Football and Hockey have the most dental injuries Right? WRONG!

What do I do after a dental injury? What is the best solution to store the tooth?

For those parents, coaches, or athletes that are interested in preventing facial/dental injuries, Game Face has a good product on the market. They can be used in almost all sports especially the spring sports! Gameface.com

LiveTo100- Living to 100 Life expectancy calculator. Do you have what it takes to live to 100? Think you are leaving a healthy lifestyle think again!

WebMD is a great site for medical information and answers. WebMD.com

All Athletes who have asthma should take this test. Very beneficial
asthmacontrol.com

For those with Asthma here is an online support group where there blogs, discussion boards, and articles. http://www.mdjunction.com/asthma

Lightning Safety http://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/lightning-safety-rules. For more information and statistics please go to the Injury Prevention and Equipment section and look for lightning.