Days go by...

Can you believe it is already FEBRUARY 11th? 42 days down, only 323 to go! It feels like only yesterday we were ringing in the new year, and NOW we are in the throes of our spring seasons making a push towards spring break.

Ahhh, SPRING BREAK! Just happens to fall in March, which is also NATIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINING MONTH. This time, NATA’s tagline is the theme: “Health Care for Life & Sport.” It emphasizes the medical component of the athletic training profession, while recognizing the array of athletic training work settings.


Some tips from NATA to remember when promoting our beloved profession:

Always refer to yourself as a “certified athletic trainer” or “athletic trainer.” State this clearly when talking with others. Never use the term “trainer.” In doing so, you are not distinguishing yourself and your peers from personal trainers.

Reinforce that athletic trainers are health care professionals who work in a variety of
settings and with all kinds of people — not just athletes.

Have you started thinking about what you can do to promote athletic training in March?

There are some awesome tools on the NATA website (members only) for you to use when putting together your ideas including:
Logos
Athletic Training e-Card
NATA Brochures/Videos/Books
Athletic Trainers -- Not "Trainers" Fact Sheet
Sample Media Alert
Sample News Release
Sample Proclamation
Sample Public Service Announcements

The SWATA Young Professionals Committee is working on a project to promote professionalism among athletic trainers in March, and you can win PRIZES, so be on the look out for more details about that in the coming weeks!

DON'T FORGET!!! NATA Hit the Hill Day is February 23, 2009. While we may not all be able to attend, there are still ways to get involved, and support legislation that effects athletic trainers. Check out the NATA Governmental Affairs and Legislative Alert Center, and be on the lookout for information from the NATA Young Professionals Committee on an upcoming effort.