NATIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINERS’ ASSOCIATION OFFERS TIPS ON HOW STAY MOTIVATED AND IN SHAPE DURING THE WINTER MONTHS
DALLAS, November 25, 2008 – Baby, it’s cold outside. It may look like an enticing winter wonderland out the window, but it’s often a challenge to exercise when the days are short and nights are cold. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association, a not-for-profit organization that represents 30,000 members of the athletic training profession, has tips to help children and adults get on their feet and moving during the months ahead:
Warm Up and Cool Down: Cold weather constricts muscles, so allow enough time for proper stretching to warm up muscles before you exercise. Cool down with stretches to keep you limber and flexible. Leg, arm and calf stretches should be held for 30 seconds each for best results.
Dress in Layers: Wear layers for maximum warmth and take them off as needed. Make sure that the layer closest to your skin is a material that will “wick” moisture from your skin. Your outer layer should be wind proof as well as water resistant. And, don’t forget a hat or headband and gloves to keep you well insulated. Wear reflective clothing if you work out in the dark.
Put Your Best Foot Forward: Make sure to wear shoes or boots that fit properly and will also keep the snow and moisture from getting your feet wet and cold. Material such as GORE-TEX® is best for insulation and maximum results.
Stock Up on Smart Foods: It’s easy to grab a cookie or holiday treat in lieu of a healthy snack alternative. Choose foods and beverages that will help fuel your body for cold weather workouts – fruit, whole grain breads, nuts and sports drinks such as Gatorade are the best bet (though a cookie or two is always a deserved reward after you exercise!).
Stick to Your Routine: If you enjoy running or walking in the warm weather months, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy these activities year-round by wearing the right winter clothing.
Try a New Sport: Try something new this winter to spark your interest – snow shoeing or cross country skiing, ice skating and even sledding are great aerobic activities that will get your heart racing and help tone the arms and legs for spring. Since falls on ice are a leading cause of injury, make sure to start slowly and get acclimated to the rink or slope.
Toss a Snowball: If you’re surrounded by a winter wonderland the next few months, pick up a snowball and have some fun with family and friends. This is great upper body exercise. Remember to use correct form, aim and toss moderately – this is not the World Series.
Start Shoveling: When snow is piled up at your front door, shoveling can be great exercise. Be square to the shovel -- your feet and shoulders should “face” the shovel to avoid injuries to your back, neck, and shoulders. Start slowly to build endurance and improve on technique.
Bring Along a Buddy: It’s hard enough to stay motivated when the weather is a challenge, so bring along a friend who shares your joy of fitness (or will get you moving).
Join a Gym: If you just can’t battle the cold temperatures, join a gym. Many health clubs offer incentives during the winter months that you just can’t refuse. Take a swim, try yoga or even learn how to rock climb if you’ve got that adventurous spirit.
Use the Mall: Weather outside is terrible? Most malls open for walkers early in the morning. Have you ever noticed that the floor in some malls has different patterns or colors especially along the storefronts? This marks the trail for walkers.
“Create a workout regimen that will keep you motivated, energized and physically active throughout the winter months” says Marjorie J. Albohm, MS, ATC, president of NATA. “Set your own fitness goal so you have a real sense of accomplishment - and some fun - from your winter activities,” she adds. “Always consult a physician before starting a new routine or if you have pre-existing health conditions. And, if you live in a warm weather climate, enjoy swimming, walking, cycling, running, or a set of tennis or round of golf to get you in shape for spring.”
National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) – Health Care for Life & Sport
Friday, November 28, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Surprise drug roils the NFL
Last update: October 28, 2008 - 11:48 AM
A prescription diuretic approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1983 could become a familiar name to football fans in 2008.
It's bumetanide.
Several players, including two Vikings, reportedly have tested positive for the drug, which recently was added to the NFL's list of banned substances.
Bumetanide was intended for people who suffer from excessive fluid in the body caused by heart failure or kidney problems. It is banned under the NFL's Policy on Anabolic Steroids and Related Substances because players could use it to mask steroid use.
Vikings defensive tackles Pat Williams and Kevin Williams were named in a Fox Sports story Sunday as players who could face four-game suspensions. Because the investigation and appeals process are confidential, the league and the Vikings would not specifically comment Monday. No suspensions are imminent.
There are 92 substances on the banned list, which was agreed to by the league's Management Council and the NFL Players Association. Among the substances are 47 anabolic/androgenic steroids and 24 masking agents.
Bumetanide is listed as a masking agent. The term "masking" is a bit deceptive.
"All labs, when they test, they check the concentration level of anything they test for," said Dr. Philip Wenger, an assistant professor at the St. Louis (Mo.) College of Pharmacy. "That's done to eliminate the possibility of a false positive. What bumetanide does is increase the amount of urine considerably, to the point where it dilutes the contents. But any lab would have a certain level of dilution that's acceptable."
Debating supplements
ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Sunday that the number of players testing positive for bumetanide could exceed 15. Mortensen also reported that several of those players are considering a suit against the manufacturer of StarCaps, a weight-loss supplement they claim did not disclose bumetanide on its label.
While that could help the players recoup damages against StarCaps, it would not help them in their appeal of the four-game suspension that comes with a first-time offense.
Ignorance can't be used as a defense. Page 23 of the policy advises players "to avoid the use of supplements altogether." It also warns them in capital letters that ignoring this advice comes "AT YOUR OWN RISK!"
The NFL and the players union also understand that the use of legal, over-the-counter supplements is widespread among NFL players. That's why the league and the union came together and created the label certification program with Abbott Laboratories, the parent company of EAS supplements.
Players taking EAS products through league distribution are guaranteed to get supplements free of any banned substances. Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr., the former Academy of Holy Angels high school star, endorses EAS products.
"I think as a player you have to be aware of what you put in your body," he told the Star Tribune for a story in 2006. "This is your body, this is your career, this is your livelihood that's at stake when you put things in your body.
"I'm not going to take anything that I don't know is official because that's my image. I have my name, my dad's name, I have a lot of people that I have to look out for in terms of every decision I make, so I don't want to embarrass myself or my family by doing anything that's going to bring negative publicity to myself. So anything I take or anything I do, I'm always double and triple checking it."
They use what they know
Naturally, not all players embrace the EAS products. They prefer supplements they're more familiar with.
"It's like comparing a Ford Escort to a Lamborghini," said Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe when asked to compare his supplement of choice, which he didn't want to name, to the EAS supplements.
"The Escort will get you there. But my supplements will get you there."
Shiancoe said he checks all of his supplements with the union's list of approved supplements.
"I've never tested positive for anything," Shiancoe said.
Sitting on a stool next to Shiancoe in the Vikings' locker room on Monday was receiver Robert Ferguson. He was mixing an orange-flavored supplement drink from a powder given to him by Shiancoe.
"You sure this stuff is OK?" Ferguson said to Shiancoe. "I don't want you getting me in any trouble."
Supplemental shakes, drinks and power bars are commonplace in any NFL locker room. A lot of NFL players, including New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, endorse Advocare supplements.
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/33419924.html
A prescription diuretic approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1983 could become a familiar name to football fans in 2008.
It's bumetanide.
Several players, including two Vikings, reportedly have tested positive for the drug, which recently was added to the NFL's list of banned substances.
Bumetanide was intended for people who suffer from excessive fluid in the body caused by heart failure or kidney problems. It is banned under the NFL's Policy on Anabolic Steroids and Related Substances because players could use it to mask steroid use.
Vikings defensive tackles Pat Williams and Kevin Williams were named in a Fox Sports story Sunday as players who could face four-game suspensions. Because the investigation and appeals process are confidential, the league and the Vikings would not specifically comment Monday. No suspensions are imminent.
There are 92 substances on the banned list, which was agreed to by the league's Management Council and the NFL Players Association. Among the substances are 47 anabolic/androgenic steroids and 24 masking agents.
Bumetanide is listed as a masking agent. The term "masking" is a bit deceptive.
"All labs, when they test, they check the concentration level of anything they test for," said Dr. Philip Wenger, an assistant professor at the St. Louis (Mo.) College of Pharmacy. "That's done to eliminate the possibility of a false positive. What bumetanide does is increase the amount of urine considerably, to the point where it dilutes the contents. But any lab would have a certain level of dilution that's acceptable."
Debating supplements
ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Sunday that the number of players testing positive for bumetanide could exceed 15. Mortensen also reported that several of those players are considering a suit against the manufacturer of StarCaps, a weight-loss supplement they claim did not disclose bumetanide on its label.
While that could help the players recoup damages against StarCaps, it would not help them in their appeal of the four-game suspension that comes with a first-time offense.
Ignorance can't be used as a defense. Page 23 of the policy advises players "to avoid the use of supplements altogether." It also warns them in capital letters that ignoring this advice comes "AT YOUR OWN RISK!"
The NFL and the players union also understand that the use of legal, over-the-counter supplements is widespread among NFL players. That's why the league and the union came together and created the label certification program with Abbott Laboratories, the parent company of EAS supplements.
Players taking EAS products through league distribution are guaranteed to get supplements free of any banned substances. Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr., the former Academy of Holy Angels high school star, endorses EAS products.
"I think as a player you have to be aware of what you put in your body," he told the Star Tribune for a story in 2006. "This is your body, this is your career, this is your livelihood that's at stake when you put things in your body.
"I'm not going to take anything that I don't know is official because that's my image. I have my name, my dad's name, I have a lot of people that I have to look out for in terms of every decision I make, so I don't want to embarrass myself or my family by doing anything that's going to bring negative publicity to myself. So anything I take or anything I do, I'm always double and triple checking it."
They use what they know
Naturally, not all players embrace the EAS products. They prefer supplements they're more familiar with.
"It's like comparing a Ford Escort to a Lamborghini," said Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe when asked to compare his supplement of choice, which he didn't want to name, to the EAS supplements.
"The Escort will get you there. But my supplements will get you there."
Shiancoe said he checks all of his supplements with the union's list of approved supplements.
"I've never tested positive for anything," Shiancoe said.
Sitting on a stool next to Shiancoe in the Vikings' locker room on Monday was receiver Robert Ferguson. He was mixing an orange-flavored supplement drink from a powder given to him by Shiancoe.
"You sure this stuff is OK?" Ferguson said to Shiancoe. "I don't want you getting me in any trouble."
Supplemental shakes, drinks and power bars are commonplace in any NFL locker room. A lot of NFL players, including New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, endorse Advocare supplements.
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/33419924.html
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