Archive for September, 2008
Shawn Johnson and Teammates in Frosted Pink with a Twist
Posted by: | CommentsSet your DVR for October 12, 2008 to ABC from 4-6 PM as Shawn Johnson, Nastia Liukin, Alicia Sacramone, Samantha Pezsek, Chellsie Memmel and other members of USA Gymnastics put on a star studded gymnastics event in conjunction with Frosted Pink with a Twist.
The event, which was organized to raise awareness and money for women’s cancers, was taped in San Diego on September 14. Frosted Pink with a Twist brings together sports, music and celebrities for a great cause and a wonderful show.
The show is hosted by Olympic greats Mary Lou Retton, Shannon Miller and Scott Hamilton. Musical artists include: Cyndi Lauper, Natasha Bedingfield, KSM, Carole King and more.
For photos of the “Pink Carpet” event, check out this whole group of them on Flickr.
Beware of the Dangers of Sports Creams
Posted by: | CommentsBy contributing author, Dr. Lorraine Williams, aka TrackMom
While sports are great for bodies, there are times when the muscles aches, tendons throb, and the body generally aches. A very common over the counter topical cream can actually be deadly if not used properly.
The following story highlights a tragic, senseless death and there is no way to bring her back or to heal the family’s hurt.
Excessive Use of Topical Sports Cream Kills High School Girl
“Last Year a 17-year-old high school athlete died from accidentally using too much over-the-counter muscle cream. The creams are commonly used by millions of Americans to relieve pain in sore muscles and joints.
Arielle Newman, a star of the Staten Island high school track team, died because her body absorbed high levels of methyl salicylate, an anti-inflammatory found in sports creams including Ben gay and Icy Hot. Though commonly recommended for use by athletes, both exercise and heat can “accentuate absorption” of the drug, and chronic use is said to be more risky than one-time use”. Read the entire article here New York Times June 10, 2007
Perhaps this story will remind us that drugs of all kinds need to be used in extreme moderation at best. Reading labels and paying attention to what actually in a product that you rub on your youth athlete or have him swallow in the name of general pain relief.
Who would ever think that an over the counter topical application cream could lead to death? We are sometimes ignorant regarding drugs we purchase in the name of “health and healing” in the “Drug Store”, and ignorance is not always bliss.
My favorite rub is a homeopathic remedy, Traumeel. It comes in a gel or cream. It has no toxic ingredients and works wonderful. Traumeel has a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient called Arnica along with others. You can also purchase Arnica alone in a cream or gel form that works very well for helping the body heal itself naturally.
The Best Girls Sports Links for the Week
Posted by: | CommentsThere were plenty of great articles on girls in sports this week:
Mark Hyman has a great list of ways to prevent sports burnout and overuse injuries in our youth athletes.
TrackMom gives us a great description of What is an Elite Youth Athlete.
Did you know that most eye injuries in sports are preventable? Educate your athletes and protect their eyes!
Pretty Tough features softball pitcher Angela Tichner in the first of a series of interviews. Angela is 2008 National Collegiate Player of the Year, third on the NCAA all-time strikeout leader list, and National Professional Faspitch player.
Swimmers Natalie Coughlin, Christine Magnuson and of course, Michael Phelps are putting their Olympic success to good use in supporting a variety of worthy causes.
It seems the age controversy and the Chinese gymnasts is far from over – especially in light of new allegations surrounding the Chinese gymnasts at the 2000 Olympic Games. Just remove the age limit already!
15 ways to develop self esteem in your athletes is a must-read article from USA Gymnastics for coaches. The information in the article does not apply just to gymnastics coaches, but also parents, teachers and coaches from all sports. (Via Gymnastics Coaching)
Shayla Worley gives a first hand account of life from the road on the 2008 Tour of Champions gymnastics tour – it sure sounds like they are having fun.
Vote for the Sports Kid of the Year for Sports Illustrated
Have a great weekend everyone!