James R. Andrews, Renowned Orthopaedic Surgeon, Installed as AOSSM President


Keystone, CO (Vocus) June 30, 2009

Internationally recognized, orthopaedic surgeon, James R. Andrews, MD, will be installed as the 38th president of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) on Saturday, July 11, 2008, during the Society’s Annual Meeting in Keystone, Colorado (July 9th-12th).

Dr. Andrews is a founding member of the renowned Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center located at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama and a founder and chairman of the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI), a non-profit organization dedicated to injury prevention, education and research in orthopaedics and sports medicine. He is also a founder and medical director of the Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Some of Dr. Andrews’ other significant accomplishments include mentoring more than 250 orthopaedic/sports medicine fellows and more than 45 primary care sports medicine fellows. He is perhaps best known for his skills as an orthopaedic surgeon, as well as his scientific and clinical research in knee, shoulder and elbow injury prevention and treatment having authored more than 250 papers and presented on every continent.

He has served on multiple AOSSM committees, including the Board of Directors, Council of Delegates and Medical Board of Trustees. He has also been faculty and moderator for numerous AOSSM Annual Meetings and courses.

Dr. Andrews graduated from Louisiana State University (LSU) in 1963. He completed LSU School of Medicine in 1967 and completed his orthopaedic residency at Tulane Medical School in 1972. He had surgical fellowships in sports medicine at the University of Virginia, School of Medicine in 1972 with Dr. Frank McCue, III and at the University of Lyon, Lyon, France in 1972 with the late professor Albert Trillat, MD, who is known as the Father of European Knee Surgery.

He is Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Alabama School of Medicine, the University of Virginia, School of Medicine, the University of Kentucky Medical Center, and the University of South Carolina Medical School. He has been awarded a Doctor of Law degree from Livingston University and Doctor of Science degrees from Troy University and Louisiana State University.

Dr. Andrews currently serves as Medical Director for Intercollegiate Sports at Auburn University; Senior Orthopaedic Consultant at the University of Alabama; and orthopaedic consultant for the athletic teams at Troy University, University of West Alabama, Tuskegee University and Grambling University. Dr. Andrews serves on the Medical and Safety Advisory Committee of USA Baseball and on the Board of Little League Baseball, Inc.

Dr. Andrews is a senior consultant for the Washington Redskins; Medical Director for the Tampa Bay Rays; and team physician for the Birmingham Barons, (Double A Professional Baseball Team, of the Chicago White Sox.) Dr. Andrews is also the Medical Director of the Ladies Professional Golf Association.

Dr. Andrews has garnered numerous other sports awards during his lifetime, including induction into the Alabama and Louisiana State Sports Hall of Fames and the LSU Alumni Hall of Distinction. In 2008, he received the LSU Cox Communication Academic Center for Student-Athletes Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award. Dr. Andrews was also presented the 2009 Distinguished American Award by the Auburn Chapter of the National Football Foundation and the College Hall of Fame.

A native of Homer, Louisiana Dr. Andrews has called Birmingham home since 1986. He and his wife Jenelle have six children and four grandchildren.

The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) is a world leader in sports medicine education, research, communication and fellowship, and includes national and international orthopaedic sports medicine leaders. The Society works closely with many other sports medicine specialists, including athletic trainers, physical therapists, family physicians, and others to improve the identification, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries. For more information contact Lisa Weisenberger at lisa (at) aossm (dot) org or 847-292-4900. You can also visit the AOSSM Web site at http://www.sportsmed.org.

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Brawl Nutrition Fights Its Way Into The MMA Supplement Market

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) July 1, 2009

In a year when many corporate leaders are tucking their heads in the sand, one CEO has put out a challenge his competitors. Atlanta based Brawl Nutrition, a sports nutrition company that designs and markets supplements to mixed martial art athletes, is calling for industry CEOs to put their muscle where their marketing is. Greg Latora, Brawl Nutrition’s President and CEO, is so confident in the company’s product line, that he is willing to step into the ring if challenged by any competing CEO. “Just as the Gracie family validated the effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by their performance in the ring, I am willing to do the same for Brawl Nutrition’s line of products”, says Mr. Latora.

While the sports nutrition industry is saturated with over-priced, over-marketed products, Brawl Nutrition has carved out a specific niche for the rapidly growing sports of mixed martial arts. Chris Lusk, Brawl Nutrition’s Marketing Director states, “We are sick of watching bodybuilding supplement companies take their tired, ineffective product lines and market them to MMA fighters. Many of these supplements decrease flexibility and stamina which are critical to fighter’s performance.” Mr. Lusk added, “Brawl Nutrition offers a product line that is formulated specifically for fighters, not one-dimensional weightlifters. Whether our products are used individually or in a stack, our line compliments a fighter’s unique physique, and training regime.” Brawl Nutrition products and merchandise can be purchased through their website, http://www.brawlnutrition.com, or in local fighting facilities.

In addition, Brawl has launched two subsidiary websites: Girls Of Brawl (http://www.girlsofbrawl.com) and Team Brawl (http://www.team-brawl.com) that give fighters, models, trainers, and gyms the opportunity to showcase their talents for sponsorship, promotional, and general business opportunities. Dom Briomonte, Brawl Nutrition’s Director of Industry Relations states, “MMA, being relatively new to mainstream America, is at a young and vulnerable stage right now. As ambassadors of this sport, we are striving to build a community that protects and supports the interests of its participants. By sharing resources within our network of partners, affiliate companies, and schools, we can help our members reach new heights, both personal and professional.”

For additional information on Brawl Nutrition Fighting Its Way Into The MMA Supplement Market, contact Chris Lusk, or visit http://www.brawlnutrition.com.

ABOUT BRAWL NUTRITION, LLC- Brawl Nutrition is the exclusive distributor of Rush, Reactor N.O., Reload, and Revolt Stack, a sports supplement line engineered for Mixed Martial Arts.

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Risks of Delaying ACL Reconstruction in Young Athletes May Be Too High, Study Shows


Keystone, CO (Vocus) July 12, 2009

More and more children are participating and getting hurt playing sports each year. A new study presented at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine ‘s (AOSSM) Annual Meeting in Keystone, Colorado, (July 9-12) details the benefits and risks of repairing a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in young athletes under the age of 14.

“The risk of inducing a growth disturbance with early reconstruction of a torn ACL must be balanced against the risk of further knee damage by delaying treatment until closer to skeletal maturity. Our study measured the independent risk factors for and relative risk of meniscal and chondral injuries in pediatric ACL patients,” said author, Theodore J. Ganley, MD, Director of the Sports Medicine and Performance Center for The Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Researchers analyzed the records of 69 patients, 14 years of age and younger who had undergone ACL reconstruction between 1991 and 2005. Data collected included demographics, relevant history (mechanism and side of injury, time from injury to surgery, one or more episodes of instability with activity, use of brace and return to sports), earliest MRI findings and physical exam findings. Operative reports and intra-operative images were also used to classify meniscal and articular cartilage pathology.

All of the patients were counseled as to the benefits and risks of delaying ACL reconstruction and advised to avoid any at-risk activities along with participating in physical therapy prior to their reconstruction. If the decision was made to delay treatment, patients were instructed to wear a custom ACL brace. All patients who underwent the surgery utilized a soft tissue graft with anatomically placed tunnels and fixation devices that did not cross the growth plate. Patients were also followed for a minimum of one-year post-operatively with no growth disturbances being noted.

“In our study, the largest of skeletally immature patients to evaluate independent risk factors, a delay in treatment of more than 12 weeks had about a four-fold increase in irreparable medial meniscus tears, an 11-fold increase in lateral compartment chondral injuries and a three-fold increase in patellotrochlear injuries. Issues with instability in the knee were also increased significantly. Our results highlight and help quantify the risk associated with delaying ACL reconstruction in young athletes and the need for continued injury prevention efforts,” said Ganley.

The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) is a world leader in sports medicine education, research, communication and fellowship, and includes national and international orthopaedic sports medicine leaders. The Society works closely with many other sports medicine specialists, including athletic trainers, physical therapists, family physicians, and others to improve the identification, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries.

For more information, please contact AOSSM Director of Communications, Lisa Weisenberger, at 847/292-4900 or e-mail her at lisa(at)aossm(dot)org. Additional information and press releases can be viewed in the newsroom on AOSSM’s Web site at http://www.sportsmed.org.

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Feel Like a Kid Again and Recharge Your Life

New York (Vocus) July 21, 2009

Professional Personal Training Systems (PPTS) is offering new Adult Recess Programs for Summer and Fall 2009. Participants can expect to play outside and feel close to the earth, just like they did when they were kids, except this adult experience will involve a rigorous workout and an increase in productivity.

According to a 2009 study by researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, children who take part in recess behave better in class and are likely to experience an increase in learning. Recently published in the journal Pediatrics, their study concludes that children who receive recess during the school day may improve in terms of overall social development and general health.

George Guerin, founder of Professional Personal Training Systems (PPTS), developed the intensive drills and partner/group activities for his classes while keeping the benefits of recess in mind: recess leads to a reduction in stress, improved fitness levels, and so much more.

Guerin says that participants in his Adult Recess Programs will ?experience the same satisfaction kids get when they take a break from school, but the rewards are much bigger in the adult world. Recess is fun and reduces stress. Exercise leads to increased creativity and productivity. Exercising with peers leads to social networking. Creativity, productivity, and networking are great for your personal life as well as for business.?

Guerin has been a personal trainer for more than 10 years and established PPTS in 2002. Dedicated to providing a healthy lifestyle in an urban environment, PPTS is expanding even further this summer by providing Adult Recess Programs in Central Park and in the Hoboken, NJ area. In the past, participants have referred to Guerin?s summer classes as ?adult recess? because they combine fun with a strenuous workout and an opportunity to clear the mind and recharge the system.

The Central Park Adult Recess Class is a group workout designed to help participants run farther and faster without injury. The workout is conducted in an outdoor environment, utilizing the most progressive, innovative and creative exercises in fitness. The program includes classes which will engage athletes of all ability levels in box drills, strength training drills, and partner resistance, using minibands, medicine balls, plyometrics, and ropes. PPTS offers both beginner and intermediate/advanced classes.

In the Hoboken area, participants at all ability levels will enjoy a similar workout designed to get them back into shape or maintain great shape. This Adult Recess group class will add the extra motivation and drive that participants need to become healthier individuals.

The mission of PPTS does not stop with its Adult Recess Programs. To encourage workouts on off-days, all participants receive an instructional home workout program on video. PPTS sends the workout via email — with videos and pictures of how to perform each exercise. The emailed fitness program is complimentary. For light equipment (rubber tubing, med ball, mini bands, stability ball, etc.), there is a charge. This light equipment rivals any commercial equipment ? but for less than $ 200.

Participants in the Adult Recess Programs can expect a vigorous work out with the ?adult recess? feel of playing outside and feeling close to the earth, de-stressing with exercise, disengaging from everyday life, and recharging creativity and productivity. The mission of PPTS is to help connect participants to the child within while improving the quality of adult life.

For additional information on the PPTS Adult Recess Programs, visit pptswellness.com.

About Professional Personal Training Systems:

George Guerin, President and founder of PPTS (http://www.pptswellness.com), obtained his degree in Exercise Physiology from West Virginia University School of Medicine and studied with some of the world?s top fitness trainers. An educator of other trainers and author of fitness articles and user manuals for exercise equipment, Guerin is a regular contributor to the NYC-based website http://www.womanaroundtown.com. He has been recognized as a Global Top Trainer by Gran Crea magazine and pioneered/coaches a soccer program for high school students in Weehawken, NJ, which helps kids find an alternative to the streets. Guerin established his dedicated client-base by training royalty, celebrities, socialites and corporate titans from around the world.

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Learn How to Get Cast on Reality TV Shows with Reality U

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) July 27, 2009

Reality U, a new facility led by casting directors, producers and trainers, has opened its doors to those eager to get a competitive edge in the reality television audition process.

For every person who goes from an unknown to stardom on a reality TV show, there are literally thousands of equally talented people who can’t get past the initial interview. The truth is, with huge fan followings and even longer lines to audition for the top reality shows, it is imperative that a person has all the tools and knowledge to shine when they finally get to the audition.

Reality U provides aspiring stars with tools to convince the decision makers that they have what it takes to have American fall in love with them. The facility is taught by casting directors, producers, motivational speakers and professional celebrity trainers to provide expert training techniques during an August 22 seminar at Shutters on the Beach.

Space is limited and seats are expected to go quickly.

With top industry insiders, students will receive unique perspectives on how to ‘play the game’.

One of those experts is Art Mortell, widely considered one of the best motivational speakers in the world. Mortell has made over four thousand presentations around the world, and was ranked as America’s No. 1 Technology motivational speaker at the Project Leadership Conference in France.

Mortell’s professional training in Reality U’s workshops will emphasize taking on new challenges and succeeding in a competitive world, thriving on stress and utilizing the anxiety as added energy for achievement and developing the confidence to step on stage and perform successfully under pressure.

Another industry leader is photographer Christopher Ameruoso, whose work has been featured in magazines like People, In Style, US Weekly to name a few. Ameruoso’s award-winning photography and outgoing personality has got him featured on The Girls Next Door, Criss Angel’s Mindfreak and Groomer Has It amongst others.

To help with the proper look, Reality U has hired personal celebrity trainer Manny Bujold. The seven-time Sport Karate World champion’s no-nonsense approach leads to better muscle tone, as well as weight loss and improved athletic ability.

The program will also include performers like Jill Michele Melean, famous for her reoccurring roles on Comedy Central shows MADtv and Reno 911. The actress said: “When you’re an actor, you are given a character. When you are on reality television you are your ‘own’ character.”

To help with casting matters, Reality U has employed Adam Garcia, whose extensive reality show experience includes casting and associate producing shows for TruTV, LOLO, Discovery and Bravo. His shows include ‘Cash Cab’, ‘Nick Cannon Presents: Short Circuitz’ and ‘Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List’. Adam is currently one of the producers of MTV’s ‘Sex ? with Mom and Dad’ starring Dr. Drew Pinsky, and a development producer with the New York production company 4th Row Films.

Space for the workshop is limited and enrolling early is recommended. To learn more or apply for the workshop, visit http://www.realityu.tv.

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Amazing New Technique Allows Students And Job Seekers To Take Exams Free of Anxiety

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) August 15, 2009

Standardized tests are a fact of life in elementary school, high school, and college, and employment application tests are a fact of life in the job market. Most test-takers feel some anxiety before exams, but for many, tests are serious stumbling blocks. No matter how prepared they are or how hard they study, their minds go blank.

Now on September 19th, 2009, Lynn Whitmire C.Ht. and Dr. Laura Hershey reveal the secrets to a simple do-it-yourself acupressure tapping technique called EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) which is being used by students and job applicants around the world to reduce and even eliminate test anxiety before and during exams and job interviews. The procedure takes just a few minutes, and they claim an 80-percent success rate.

Test anxiety can have as many symptoms as a physical illness, including headaches, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, hot flashes, cold sweats, shortness of breath, rapid heart-beat, dry mouth, dizziness, and even fainting spells.

The most widely used methods for treating test anxiety include preparation, practice, developing good study habits, remembering to eat, sleep, and exercise on a normal schedule, maintaining a positive attitude, and learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.

“All of these can make a difference,” says Los Angeles physician Eric Robins, MD, “but when someone feels anxious, his or her sympathetic nervous system is firing off, producing the rapid pulse, sweating, and other symptoms that are associated with test anxiety. I think this shunts blood away from the frontal lobes of the brain, which is where much of our thinking, processing, and test-taking ability comes from. In an exam or interview situation, this is a problem.”

“In my practice I have worked with hundreds of students and I have found that EFT is an even more effective way of empowering you to overcome test anxiety,” said Lynn Whitmire C.Ht.

EFT works by restoring the body’s flow of energy and blood circulation. This brings people back to the physiological state they were in when they learned the material in the first place. The theory of state-dependent learning says that people are able to retrieve information easier if they are in the same state as they were when they learned it. If you were calm and relaxed while studying, it’s difficult to retrieve information when you’re in a state of panic. EFT quickly restores you to the ideal place for state-dependent learning to work.

Even though EFT is a new technique, it has an impressive track record in treating performance anxiety triggered by everything from SAT tests and college boards to athletic performance.

This one-time event will be held on September 19th from 10:00 to 1:00 at 810 Emerald Street, Suite 102, San Diego, CA. 92109. Cost is $ 99.00. Attendance is limited so people are encouraged to call early to reserve a spot.

Dr. Laura Hershey is a practicing Non Force Chiropractor since 1989. Dr. Hershey uses “Emotional Freedom Technique” when there is an emotional component to her chiropractic patients’ physical issues. Dr. Hershey is listed as a Certified Practitioner with Gary Craig’s EFT official website.

Lynn Whitmire is a Certified Master Trainer for the International Association of Counselors and Therapists and is the owner of Advanced Hypnotherapy. Her extensive training in Hypnosis, N.L.P. and “Emotional Freedom Technique” qualifies her as one on San Diego’s top life coaches. Lynn has taught at The School of Healing Arts, worked in the Holistic Healing Clinic in Pacific Beach and as a part of the treatment team at “Shakti Rising” – a program for young women with body image and substance abuse issues.

http://www.AdvancedHypnotherapyOnline.com

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Game Day Injections may have more Benefits than Drawbacks


Rosemont, IL (Vocus) August 26, 2009

Game day injections work like a magic pain relief bullet for some athletes but they may also pose complications if not administered correctly or if the individual does not comply with doctor guidelines, reveals a new clinical review published in the September/October issue of Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach.

“All soft tissue injections for pain control whether it is a corticosteroid, local anesthetic or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like Toradol have potentially serious side effects that must be considered, especially in pregame settings. Our review investigated the clinical indications for soft tissue injections, possible complications and the current outcome studies available,” said lead author, Matthew Matava, MD, Associate Professor of Orthopaedics at the Washington University School of Medicine.

Matava and his team analyzed current information regarding the uses of corticosteroids (cortisone), local anesthetic pain relief agents and the NSAID Toradol. Authors suggested that it is critical that the sports medicine professional be aware of the various agents and their varying pharmacologic characteristics. For example, the efficacy of local corticosteroid injections in some studies was shown as significant while other study results showed not much benefit and an increase in complications such as a ruptured tendon. General recommendations for corticosteroid injections include using only after other nonsurgical treatments have failed and a when a palable location for the pain is apparent. Cortisone shots can be extremely detrimental if given immediately after an injury, before a competitive event or in the presence of an infection.

Local anesthetics such as lidocaine, allow for an immediate assessment of pain relief and as a confirmatory diagnostic method when the source of discomfort or injury is in question. Allergic reaction is one of the most common complications with this form of pain relief in athletes. This type of injection into an injured tendon or ligament is likely to increase the risk for ruptures or other degenerative processes, said the authors.

Toradol is the only NSAID currently available in an intramuscular or intravenous form in the U.S. The study in Sports Health, highlights the lack of published information available on Toradol’s use in athletics. The most common side effects include stomach upset, increased bleeding possibility and renal failure. The increased bleeding risk with high levels of Toradol is especially significant, in collision sports such as football. “Even a small increase in bleeding risk can exacerbate high-risk injuries such as concussions, spinal cord, spleen and kidney trauma. Toradol injections before a game should be carefully weighed versus the emotional ramifications of an impending game,” said Matava.

Published bimonthly, Sports Health is a collaborative publication from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM), the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), and the Sports Physical Therapy Section (SPTS). Other organizations participating in the publication include the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM). For more information on the publication or to submit a manuscript, visit http://www.sportshealthjournal.org.

For more information on this press release, please contact Lisa Weisenberger at lisa@aossm.org or 847-292-4900.

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School Sports Safety: Dangers Parents Can Prevent

Chicago, Ill. (PRWEB) August 31, 2009

According to a study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there is an estimated 1.4 million high school sports injuries that lead to 500,000 doctors visits and 30,000 hospitalizations annually. Just recently, another tragic school sports story was reported that a college player in Louisiana died after he became ill at practice. According to personal injury attorney Jeffrey J. Kroll, parents can take simple steps to protect their children. Kroll has been involved in several cases where athletes have been severely injured through no fault of their own and often by circumstances beyond the students’ control.

“We know that school sports programs promote physical activity, boost self-esteem and increase a child’s strength and endurance. Yet, on the sports fields there are ‘mine fields’ that can be avoided,” says Jeffrey J. Kroll, Chicago personal injury lawyer and principal at the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll (http://www.kroll-lawfirm.com). “As a parent, you can easily assess whether your child’s school athletic department has taken the necessary steps to reduce the risk of a sports injury.”

Through his experience in representing victims of school sports injuries and accidents, Kroll has gleaned valuable insights about school sports safety issues:

Meet with the head or “position” coach. Parents think that the athletic director is the person most responsible. However, Kroll recommends that parents build a relationship with the individual coach who usually spends the most time supervising their child.

Check gear and equipment. Like consumer products that are recalled for safety issues, sports equipment can also be faulty or unsafe. Verify that your child has been given properly-fitted protective gear. Also, ensure that the training equipment meets all current safety standards and that no defective equipment is in use.

Ensure the facilities are safe. Parents should be certain that the school’s facility structures and equipment comply with laws, regulations, rules and standards. Pay close attention to be sure any debris, rocks, water and other hazards are removed from the court or field, practice is directed away from any holes or other physical dangers, and all field and court posts, nets and fixtures are padded and set-up appropriately.

Confirm the emergency procedure. A school’s trainer is responsible for health matters related to your child’s sports activities. Some schools have a shortage of trainers and do not have them available for all practices and games. Inquire about which members of the coaching staff are properly trained to handle emergency situations. While high school football has the highest injury rate, the number two injury category is boys wrestling. Regardless of the perceived need, ask when and where trainers are available for your children.

Monitor team dynamics. Besides physical accidents, emotional and psychological conditions among teammates can cause harm to your child. Be sure to find out how they are getting along with team members, coaches and school staff members, even by asking your children.

Kroll experienced a case where a high school student suffered a life-altering injury due to an unfortunate series of events, including allegations of hazing, which were all under the control of the school’s staff. A first-year student was participating in water polo practice when several others students allegedly threw pool equipment and snowballs at him. The student dove into the pool to avoid the debris, collided with the bottom and is now a quadriplegic. “Prior to this incident, the student was nick-named “Flounder” by his swim team coach, which was intended to be a derogatory nickname,” said Kroll.

Kroll recommends parents learn more about the school’s procedures to help protect children from school sports injuries. Any school that meets required sports safety standards will be happy to provide the information.

To schedule an interview with Jeffrey J. Kroll, contact:

Tom Ciesielka, (312) 422-1333.

About Jeffrey J. Kroll:

With 19 years’ experience representing victims and their families, Jeffrey Kroll has seen firsthand the pain experienced by individuals and families in personal injury and wrongful death actions. While The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll is best known for its success in fighting for victims of auto, truck and bus accidents, it has achieved record verdicts and settlements in a wide range of practice areas including victims of school negligence. Kroll is AV Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer recognition for ethical standards and legal ability and is consistently chosen by his peers as one of the top lawyers in Chicago, Illinois. For more information about Kroll’s work with personal injury and wrongful death cases, visit http://www.kroll-lawfirm.com.

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Study Suggests Surgeries Performed During a School Break are Better for a Youth’s Academic Performance


Rosemont, IL (Vocus) September 1, 2009

Delaying surgery for a pediatric patient until a school break may decrease the number of future missed school days and the chances of disturbing academic performance, say authors of a new study published in the September issue of the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

The study evaluated 62 school-aged athletes who underwent an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or a medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. Authors separate the athletes into three groups: those who had surgery during the school year, those who had surgery during a school holiday, and those who underwent surgery during summer break. Gathering data on how many school days were missed before the student returned to school and how students performed on tests after they returned, the study concluded that surgery on a school day causes more academic difficulties than surgery during a holiday or summer break.

“Most of the controversy surrounding timing of knee surgeries for children has centered on how developed is the child’s skeletal frame. They also worry about the risks and benefits of delaying surgery versus early intervention. We don’t want to discount the importance of those questions, but we also recognized there are more facets to deciding on the timing of surgery,” explains Christopher S. Ahmad, MD, one of the study’s authors and an Associate Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

While ACL and MPFL reconstructions are two different surgeries, both of these surgeries require the use of a knee brace, crutches or wheelchair, and long and intensive physical therapy. The study suggested that these factors hinder a student’s ability to return to school. Of the 63.1% of patients who did not return to school immediately after their surgeries, the averaged missed days of school was around 14.7. Further, 36 percent of students who had surgery during the school year were likely to fail a test after returning to school. None of those who had surgery during a school break failed a test. School-year surgeries led to higher rates of summer school than school-break surgeries. The study’s findings were further confirmed by past studies.

“Deciding when surgery is appropriate in a school-aged patient must be coupled with an understanding of the risks of delaying surgery. However, if reconstruction of the student’s injury will not be negatively affected by delaying surgery, the academic benefits of delaying the surgery may be significant enough,” said Ahmad.

For those who cannot delay surgery, the study noted that homeschooling or obtaining instructional materials and homework from the school can be a way to minimize the impact of a surgery on a student’s academic performance.

The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) is a world leader in sports medicine education, research, communication and fellowship, and includes national and international orthopaedic sports medicine leaders. The Society works closely with many other sports medicine specialists, including athletic trainers, physical therapists, family physicians, and others to improve the identification, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries. For more information visit AJSM online at http://www.ajsm.org or contact Lisa Weisenberger at lisa(at)aossm(dot)org or 847-292-4900.

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Fitness Expert to Pull Loaded School Bus for Charity

Toronto, ON (PRWEB) September 1, 2009

October 5-9 is Feeding Toronto’s Hungry Students’ Week and one local business owner is set to contribute in a very unique and spectacular way. On October 10th, Conor Kelly, of TransformForever.com, will attempt to pull an approximately 40 feet long, fully loaded school bus in Yonge-Dundas Square with only the strength of his muscles to raise money and awareness for programs that assist starving students in Toronto region schools.

Kelly, a former competitive strength athlete, says he was inspired by students of The Crescent School on Bayview. “I was asked to be a guest speaker for their class presentation on malnourished youth in Toronto’s schools,” he explains, “their talk really opened my eyes to the enormity of the problem, and need for greater awareness.” He then contacted the Toronto Foundation For Student Success (TFSS), the charitable arm of the Toronto District School Board, and they were thrilled to receive the support of this exciting event.

According to TFSS, 1 in 3 Toronto children live in poverty. This astoundingly high statistic means that 68% of students do not have breakfast every day, and 21% never do. What’s worse is that along with missing breakfast 54% of students in Toronto don’t have lunch on a daily basis.

“It’s interesting to me that as a community, we’re very generous when it comes to helping people in other parts of the world, but sometimes miss what’s happening in our own backyard,” says Kelly.

TFSS, which works with community partners to fund and run breakfast and nutritional programs, hopes to raise over $ 30,000 during the week long event. “I want to be able to draw attention to this issue in the biggest way possible, and what’s more attention grabbing than a guy pulling a huge fully loaded school bus?” says Kelly who believes that pulling the school bus is symbolic of the challenges faced by TFSS in trying to feed 90,000 children every year.

Kelly has successfully completed the feat before, however, “that was a long time ago,” he says, “and when I was approximately 40 pounds heavier.” There is also a lot more at stake this time. Although he is a 4-time Ontario Strongest Man finalist, Kelly, standing at an average height of 5’7″ and weighing a lean 190lbs, has to prepare his body and rally for support from Torontonians for a critical community issue.

Working along with TFSS, Kelly hopes to attract Toronto’s most influential and popular names to lend their support. “The lack of proper nutrition can lead to behavioural problems and prevent kids from getting the most out of their education,” he emphasizes, “our efforts can make a significant difference in the lives of these children and that’s why I’m asking everyone, even Mayor David Miller, to come out and show their support.”

Dubbed “Pulling For The Hungry,” the Saturday event will include fun activities for the whole family, including contests, giveaways, and maybe even chances to have a seat on the bus. Kelly and the TFSS are looking for sponsors and media support as well as donations. Those interested in pledging support or learning more can find more information at http://www.PullingForTheHungry.com

“We want to make it memorable, empowering and of course, entertaining. It’s going to literally be ‘man against steel’ with an important message. I want kids to see that great things can be achieved if you put your mind to it. I also want Torontonians to get together and support initiatives like TFSS because it should be everyone’s responsibility.”

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