Five Quick and Easy Weight Loss Steps
Brain Damage in Hockey Player Linked to Repeated Concussions
You can add the National Hockey League (NHL) to the list of professional sports organizations now faced with growing evidence that the head injuries that are accepted as part of their sport are indeed causing serious, long-term cognitive and emotional problems in players. We've know the health risks of repeated head trauma to boxers for quite some time. Recently, the National Football League has been grappling with questions of responsibility and accountability for head trauma on the football field.
This week, The New York Times reported that former NHL player Reggie Fleming had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (C.T.E.), a type of brain damage caused by repeated head trauma. Fleming, who died in July, was the first hockey player known to have been tested for the disease.
Dr. Ann McKee, a neuropathologist at Boston University who has also diagnosed C.T.E. in several former N.F.L. players, summed up the issues by saying what we all probably could guess, "Repetitive head injuries can have very serious long-term consequences, regardless of how you get them." If you play any sports with a risk of head trauma, be sure to take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming another head injury statistic. All experts agree that wearing safely equipment, such as a helmet and mouth guard, can reduce the risk of serious head injuries.
More about Head Injuries
- Head Injury First Aid
- What is a Concussion?
- Serious Effects of Mild Concussions
- Girls Suffering More Concussions in High School Sports
- Link Between Concussions and Depression
- Concussion Symptoms and Treatment
- Recurrent concussions may increase the risk of clinical depression
- New Guidelines for Head Injury and Concussion in Youth Sports
Share Your Gift Ideas for Athletes
Getting the right gift for anyone can be a challenge, but athletes can be especially difficult to shop for. Help us out this holiday by sharing your ideas. Tell us about the best fitness gift you ever received (or gave) and why it's the perfect gift for all types of athletes.
Here's what your fellow reader's had to say:
Pampering
Give anything that would be called pampering. Most athletes train too much & too hard and never 'treat' themselves to anything soft. Give them a treat (good meal out, spa day, massage, a good book, or a movie). Something to get them to stop and slow down or heal a tired, over worked body!
--Deb
Gear
Athlete's love gear. Just look at what they do regularly and replace a piece of gear that they have that is old, worn or overused. Or get one in a different color.
--Guest rarah
A Massage
What athlete can't use a sports massage? It's the best gift ever!
--Guest Timbuk3
Health Club Membership
I received one recently and though it was a great gift. Now I'm more likely to keep up me exercise routine through the cold and snow of winter -- I usually stop exercising in winter, but not this year. Thanks Franny!
--Guest joesoma
No Time For Exercise? Tips for Busy Athletes
Also See:
How to Train Like a Trainer.
How Much Exercise Does it Take?
Nutrition Tips for Winter Athletes
Athletes who participate in cold weather activities have a variety of special needs when it comes to performing at an optimal level while staying comfortable and safe as temperatures drop. Getting adequate fluids is just one of them.
Learn More about Sports Nutrition
For the Child Who Has Everthing - How about a Personal Trainer for Christmas?
Personal trainers are also helping kids get ready for sports or perfect their sports skills. Finding a trainer who specializes in children's sports isn't easy, but it is becoming more common. The IDEA Health & Fitness Association recommends these basic guidelines for choosing a personal trainer for your child.
More
- Personal Trainers for Kids
- Do You Need a Personal Trainer?
- Tips for More Effective Training
- How to Get Your Child Involved in Exercise
Source
*National Center for Health Statistics. Chartbook on Trends in the Health of Americans. Health, United States, 2006. Hyattsville, MD: Public Health Service. 2006.
How To Use the Rowing Machine
Rowing is a great cardiovascular and strength-building exercise. The smooth, low-impact rowing motion works the whole body, is easy to learn and can challenge any fitness level. With the proper technique, rowing will work all the major muscle groups of the core, arms and legs in a balanced manner.
Photo Scott Barbour / Getty_Images
Poll - Do You Reduce Your Exercise During Holidays?
What's Your Risk For Injury or Burnout?
- Have I just completed an intense endurance event or competition (such as a marathon, or ultraendurance race)?
- Have I lost interest in training or playing sports?
- Does my regular workout feel too difficult?
- Do I dread the thought of training or racing?
- Am I becoming more irritated or annoyed about small things?
- Have I lost my appetite or am I eating too much?
- Do I feel mentally stressed, fatigued or withdrawn?
- Do I have generalized aches, pains or body soreness?
- Am I having trouble sleeping?
- Do I have an angry, negative attitude?
- Am I having more colds and flus than usual?
- Is my morning resting heart rate higher than normal?
If you answer yes to four or more of the questions you could be pushing yourself too hard. The following strategies will help you scale back your training, recover and refresh your routine to avoid burnout.

