The more things change...

So I heard somewhere recently that your life won't look much different in three years. The implication is that life doesn't change drastically in that period of time.

It got me thinking, and I think three years is a long time and brings lots of change at every stage...

0-3-you go from a blob that eats and poos to a little person that walks and talks
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3-6-you can comprehend and reason and you start school!
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13-16 awkward adolescent to a full on difficult young adult that can drive (scary!)
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19-22-this is when I had my epiphany that my parents really did know what they were talking about; was of legal drinking age; and graduated college the first time.
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22-25 I got my first job, graduated from college the second time, got married... turned 28 today and the last 3 years have been nothing short of amazing, and definitely never boring.

I think this is a fundamental issue that young professionals face. Our life is changing so much right now. We are just getting out on our feet, we get engaged, married, friends get married, buy houses and our first cars and eventually there is a growing family in the mix (whether it's kids or animals ;)).

I never thought this would be a challenge, but it gets really difficult to balance everything and keep it all straight. For me, I am currently in the middle of our first home purchase. I never knew that it would be so...so...dominating. Inspections, financing, paint colors, appliances. It consumes my thoughts no matter where I am (work, car, sleep, grocery store), and makes it difficult to focus on the tasks at hand. Setting aside major personal milestones so that I will still be effective at my job is a hurdle that I'm beginning to get over. I imagine it only gets harder with the addition of kids.

I know that my issue is not unique, and I take great solace knowing that I'm not alone. I have called on several friends for help along the way and guidance from mentors.

No matter what change the next 3 years brings, as far as I can tell, it's all worth it.

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On another, somewhat related note...THE ELECTION FOR NATA President is still going on! How much will change in the next 3 years of our profession and association?! What will your IMPACT on the future be?

Hail to the Chief

(I'm a little frustrated right now, as I just wrote out an awesome, motivating, compelling voting blog...and then deleted it. Sweet. You will just have to take my word for it. VOTE!)

There is an important election going on in NATA right now that could have great effect on the future of our association and profession. I'm sure you think I say that about everything, but I swear it is true.

The NATA president is the face of athletic training and the National Athletic Trainers' Association to other organizations, sponsors and often the media. S/he with the Board of Directors drive our association's focus over the coming years and are critical to continuing to evolve NATA. It's kind of a big deal.

The candidates are:
Current NATA President Marje Albohm, MS, ATC and former District 2 Director Joe Iezzi, MS, ATC, PES.
Both attended our annual meeting in Arlington, so you may have had a chance to meet them!

To find out more information about the candidates visit the NATA Website and look for Face Time '09 for their platforms. For a Q & A with them visit the YPC section of the website, and check out the July issue of the NATA News.

You should have received your electronic ballot on (or about) September 1st. If you didn't, e-mail amyc@nata.org and she will get you set up. Do this before September 30th when voting closes!

YOUR VOTE COUNTS! There is no time like now to make your IMPACT on the association felt.

Helicopter Parents

You know the type... Sitting in the bleachers watching practice...everyday. Talking to their kids from the stands, telling them what to do, how to play. Trying to get just a "minute" in the coach's office. You happen to be in the front office checking your box and you see them, hovering, waiting to talk to anyone that will listen to them. It seems that they must not have employment because every time you look up you see them. Then it happens...their child gets an injury.


As a young professional, what do you plan to do when the "helicopter parent" comes in for a landing in your training room? If you think it will not happen...just wait...It will happen to you one day.


When I first started, I would become very defensive with these parents. I did not know how to handle them. I would let them get under my skin and wonder if I really was doing what I was supposed to be doing. They second guessed me and eventually I started to second guess myself. Don't let that happen to you.

1. Be confident in what you are doing in the training room. Confidence in yourself and your treatments/rehab or a lack of confidence in those areas will show. If people think that you are unsure of what you are doing, they will second guess everything you do.
2. Be able to explain the 'whats' and 'whys' of what you are doing. Telling a kid or a parent that you want this done a certain way just because you said may not be the best way to build their confidence in you. Be prepared to educate them, these are teachable moments, and you should take advantage of them.
3. Have a plan. If you can show them rehab programs, treatment plans, return to play guidelines, they will see that you know what you are doing.
4. Be patient. These parents have a difficult time with letting their children deal with their own issues. Listen to them, but stand your ground. Once they see that you are a professional and you are taking care of their child, they will be less apprehensive in future encounters.

Helicopter parents are usually well-meaning parents that need to learn their boundaries. With a little practice you will learn how to clear them for a landing and get them back in the sky without raising your stress levels.