Bull's Eye and Shot Guns

As a high school athletic trainer, you are faced with hundreds of patients at any given moment.  During the day of chaos this leads us to triage our patients as quickly as possible.  Yes, some of us have figured out an appointment schedule or hired a 3^rd assistant, but we are still stuck in the traffic jam of the high school setting.  It is during this traffic jam that I wonder how other athletic trainers evaluate their patients. We are all taught how to evaluate in our own respective programs, some use the bull’s eye approach, others use the shot gun approach. I, now, use regional interdependence or the SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment).

The bull’s eye approach is where the patient comes into the clinic complaining of issue A and the athletic trainer evaluates issue A and then treats issue A.  The athletic trainer may evaluate above and below immediate to issue A but do they evaluate the entire patient. This is coined the “bull’s eye” approach because all the athletic trainer sees is one issue at a time.  

Some athletic trainers may use the shot gun approach, where the patient comes into the clinic complaining of issue A and the athletic trainer shoots several treatments at them such as, ice bag, heat pack or e-stim, without a proper evaluation.  Both of these strategies could be used, but are they treating the entire patient or even the root of the patient’s complaint? All athletic trainers should evaluate with a standardized method of some nature, this could be a check-list in their head, a cheat sheet in a program or the SFMA.

While being in the doctoral program at the University of Idaho I have learned several new and exciting techniques that have been very beneficial to my tool box.  These techniques are not time consuming and can be used with high school patients.  One of these techniques is the SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment) by Gray Cook.

The Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) is a series of 7 full-body movement  tests designed to assess fundamental patterns of movement such as bending and squatting in  those with known musculoskeletal pain. When the clinical assessment is initiated from the  perspective of the movement pattern, the clinician has the opportunity to identify meaningful  impairments that may be seemingly unrelated to the main musculoskeletal complaint, but   contribute to the associated disability. This concept, known as Regional Interdependence, is the  hallmark of the SFMA.

The assessment guides the clinician to the most dysfunctional non-painful movement pattern,  which is then assessed in detail. This approach is designed to complement the existing exam and  serve as a model to efficiently integrate the concepts of posture, muscle balance and the  fundamental patterns of movement into musculoskeletal practice. By addressing the most  dysfunctional non-painful pattern, the application of targeted interventions (manual therapy  and therapeutic exercise) is not adversely affected by pain.

SFMA offers healthcare professionals a new approach to the treatment of pain and dysfunction.  Our standardized clinical model ensures isolating the cause of injury and efficient care.

http://www.sfma.com/site/

I have been using the SFMA for the past year with amazing results.   Instead of a bull’s eye approach or a shot gun triage I have had success in using regional interdependence.  This approach has allowed me to really treat the whole patient with an evaluation that last less than 2 min.  For an athletic trainer on a time crunch being able to evaluate the entire patient knowing that you have considered all the issues and possible issues that could be presented, is priceless. 

This standardized evaluation has a fool proof breakout session that allows you as a clinician to evaluate your patient thoroughly while monitoring their movement patterns and defining their pain or dysfunction.  It is also a wonderful and useful tool to quantify when the patient has overcome their pain or dysfunction. I could write pages about the SFMA, show my outcomes data, patient testimonials etc. but in a nutshell I believe the SFMA has changed my patient care tremendously and I believe all athletic trainers should give it a try.

So I ask you, which type of evaluation do you perform? Are you interested in treating the whole patient in less time than evaluating one bull’s eye or are you stuck in the traffic jam refusing to change?

~Cathlene Webb MS, ATC/LAT

Policies and Protocols

Athletic trainers are professionals that work to prevent injuries and illnesses.  Everyday we are introduced to new ways to recognize deficiencies in our patients by develop stretching, strengthening and nutritional programs to help minimize injury.  We work to maintain clean and safe practice and competition environments all in the name of prevention.

This fall my school district wanted to get emergency Epi-Pens at each school following a South Texas school incident that made national news (link below).  Getting the emergency medication was simple thanks to our team physician and a company that provides two free pens to every school that applies with a prescription.  I then found out that a new policy had to be written and be approved by the school board, and an existing policy needed some revamping.
Once in this process, I started to review all of our policies and realized there were some policies I did not know existed and some that needed some updating.  Not being aware of all safety and medical policies is my fault. When I joined this district four years ago, I only asked to review high school policies and the athletic department policies, not those that pertained to the nursing staff or other campuses within the district.  


In most cases this means that a policy, protocol or procedure has been developed, approved, and then upheld in order to stay current with new research and laws.  In the secondary setting, the total number of policies, protocols and laws that must be followed are at times overwhelming, and that list keeps getting longer every academic year.

I found that there were some policies that were written with the school nurses in mind, but not the athletic trainer. This obviously was not a problem, but it showed further that there should be constant communication among all professionals and departments in the district. How can you be compliant and provide best care for all students if you don't know a policy in place? 

We, as medical professionals, must ensure that we are staying current on all policies within our organization as they tend to change more often than our state and national laws.  We should be reviewing all medical policies on a regular basis to ensure that they work for all people responsible for upholding the policy within the organization. It is another opportunity for collaboration throughout. I am grateful for the nursing staff that I work with we try to work with each other to provide the best care for all students.

EpiPen Story: http://www.nbcnews.com/health/texas-boys-death-reignites-debate-over-epipens-schools-4B11194403

-Stephanie Nelson

Remembering All the Aspects of Evidence-Based Practice

I have to give a shout out to my volleyball coaches. They have helped cut down on the amount of volleyball injuries we normally have in one season by simply adding a variety of workouts to their team's practices.  Since taking the job two years ago, they have added in mobility training, yoga, meditation, and probably a few other things that I do not know about.  They required each player to buy their own foam roller over the summer, and they all roll out on a regular basis after practices.  

Other coaches think they are crazy.  I mean, why would you need to do anything besides practice your sport and lift weights, right?  Luckily, I have been able to see all the benefits these changes have produced.  We used to have a variety of upper and lower body injuries we dealt with all year long.  This year I can think of one injury, and it resolved quickly with a little help from our athletic training staff.

This change has helped me see that sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zones and try new things.  This summer I attended a session at the NATA Annual Meeting addressing evidence-based practice (EBP).  When I think of EBP, I mostly consider what the research supports.  At the meeting, I was reminded EBP is not just what is supported by original research; it also factors in the clinician’s own knowledge and experience, along with the patient’s goals and values.

Before I may have joined in with the other coaches, thinking our volleyball coach was doing some crazy stuff.  There probably is not a lot of research out there correlating the specific combination of activities my volleyball coaches use with a decrease in team injuries.  However, I have seen the outcomes and I have observed the improved quality of life my players have now. That alone is evidence in my evidence based practice.  Could it be coincidence? Sure, but I’m going to support my coaches new additions to practice, until I am proved otherwise.

Even though I am a young professional, I still find myself get stuck in my ways, but, thanks to my volleyball coaches and a NATA Annual Meeting session this summer, I have been open to trying new things.  We, as health care professionals, should be anxious to learn and try new methods.  Instead of doing what we have always done, let’s be willing to apply our EBP methods and add a little creativity in order to achieve better outcomes for our athletes!

-Shaya Hancock

Life Balance As A GA

Good Afternoon America! I hope all is well and the Fall semester has been good to you. Football season is going strong (Go Baylor Bears!) and midterm exams are on the horizon (yikes!). For the majority of young professionals out there, you have some stories of when you were a graduate assistant. I hear from a good number of “seasoned” ATCs about how “back in the day” they covered all types of sporting events AND worked their way through graduate school. For those who were able to navigate the waters of being a GA without any hiccups, I salute you. For the rest of us who had a nice “adjustment period” before they got it perfect, I also salute you. 

Being a GA in the current workforce is tough. Graduate school work is tougher than it ever has been. The profession is in a transition period. Collegiate athletics is a booming business where universities are measured on the success of their athletic programs. It’s bananas.

My path to being a Graduate Assistant at Baylor University began at the University of Texas at Arlington. I was a 400m Hurdler for a year and then began working on my degree as an athletic trainer. I interned my senior year at Southern Methodist University and got motivated to continue my education as a graduate assistant. I ultimately chose Baylor because of the program I was working for (shout out to Baylor Track and Field) and the Christian atmosphere. I have had a blast working as a GA with multiple sports and adding more skills to my skill-set. I also had the opportunity to go to Puerto Rico this summer to work for the United States Virgin Island Basketball Federation for their U17 team. Huge blessing.

So…to the good stuff…during my time as a GA I have found some tricks that have allowed me to balance all of the duties associated with current GA positions. Now…(imagine I’m sounding like Dr. Phil when I say this)…if you follow these 10 steps, I promise you will ease into the real world much more efficiently, have a greater overall experience, and actually ENJOY being a GA (yes…it can happen).

1. Get to know your full time athletic training staff and coaching staff. Actually ask about their careers and what they like to do. These relationships will add the “human touch” to your time at your respectable university.

2.  Get a planner. If you don’t have one yet, go ahead and make the trip to Walmart and get one. It will change your life. Adding all practice times and dates in one place will allow you to not be caught off guard.

3.  At the beginning of each semester, add your syllabi to your planner. REMEMBER: YOU ARE HERE TO GET A DEGREE AAAAAAAAAND WORK A SPORT ASSIGNMENT. Don’t underestimate the time you’ll need to get homework done. Keeping all assignments and exam dates in one place will keep you on track.

4. Take things one day at a time. Don’t get too caught up in everything going on around you. Focus on what you have to do one day at a time. I look at things in weeks. Each Monday, I sit down at an eating establishment of my choice (More times than not it’s fast food. Ballin’ on a budget.), and I see what I have to do that day and what is on the horizon that week.

5. Create your own routine. For instance, Monday and Tuesday are homework nights. Wednesday is “Career Night” where I sit down and work on career building items. I will look up something I want to learn and integrate to my practice or read a book that will motivate me to do more in the workplace. Thursday night is “Hoop Night”. I’m in our gym doing my best Kobe Bryant impression (no Achilles jokes people). Friday night is “Social Night”. No books, no homework, no work. Just hanging out with friends and family. By establishing a consistent routine each week, you give your week balance and feel more at ease with all of the craziness going on.

6. WORK OUT (begins playing LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It”). Don’t forget to take care of your body. The pounds add on as we get more busy in our jobs. Athletic trainers usually eat horribly as well (I’m guilty). Try to get 3 workout sessions in a week. It will make you happier and gives you a stress release.

7.  Reach out to other professionals for guidance. Be sure to tap into those who have done what you are looking to do. This gives you wisdom in how you can navigate your career and GA time.

8.  Jam out! Find some music that can relax you while you’re in the athletic training room. I’m a huge Christian Hip-Hop fan, so I’ve been playing Lecrae and Trip Lee any chance I can. Music helps keep you relaxed and is a nice topic of discussion with your athletes.

9.  Go out to other sporting events. I work track and field/cross country and baseball. Whenever I get the chance, I go out to our volleyball and football games to support my university and have fun with friends (Dressed in normal human clothes. No khakis.).

10.   HAVE FUN!!  This is the beginning of an amazing part of your career. Make the most of it. Be encouraged. Two years passes faster than you think. Enjoy the people, enjoy your teams, enjoy your job and I promise you, it will all pay off. 

-Roger Sancho

It's Award Season!

No, I'm not talking about that Award Season, but nominations are now open for the athletic training world's version of the Grammys.

ATs, in general, have a problem with patting ourselves on the back. The Honors and Awards Reception held annually at the SWATA meeting is one of the few times our profession gathers to acknowledge the excellence of our colleagues.

As athletic trainers, hard work is a given, and excellence and professionalism among our health care peers is on the rise. ATs who go above and beyond this norm, deserve to be honored for doing so. I have never fully agreed with the old school motto that "athletic trainers should be seen and never heard," but I definitely don't agree with that when it comes to our own awards. Let them be heard!

Everyone knows someone who is great at their job, and now would be the time to nominate that athletic trainer for an award that recognizes greatness in the profession. I challenge everyone to nominate one person for one of the six SWATA awards. It doesn't take that much time. It doesn't require that much effort. It is easy to do! Don't let your favorite AT stand in the background; bring them to the stage to honor their commitment to our profession.

Deadlines to submit nomination packets to the Honors and Awards Committee is November 15. All nomination packets can be found on SWATA.org

-Tiffany McGuffin

Do you hear what I hear?

On my first day of Fall football practice, there was a different atmosphere on the field as music played in the background. I thought this was just something to kick off the start of the season, to get the athletes pumped up,but as practiced progressed through the week, the music stayed. Music has now become an essential element in my teams' workouts.

Whether at they gym or in a spinning class,  the mood of the workout is typically set by the kind of music playing. Every team out there has a game day warm-up playlist to get kids hyped up. Some colleges and universities who once only played music during their team stretching and warm-ups have now started to incorporate it throughout the duration of practice. Now some high school coaches are jumping on the bandwagon.

Coaches believe that by adding music to practice, they are producing an environment much like what the athletes will see on a game day. They hope that the music will boost productivity and increase the athletes' focus. The athletes also enjoy having music while they practice because it gets them pumped up between plays and reps on the football field. Another reason some coaches have added music to practice is because their athletes need to get used to their coaches signing the plays since some teams run a no-huddle offense and they have to rely on watching the signals that are being used.  After several weeks of football practices with music in the background, our coaches and athletes feel like there is a more positive work environment and a good tempo out at practice. All the while accomplishing the necessary tasks to prepare for the big game at the end of the week.

Could this be a growing trend? I'm not sure, but I'm enjoying it.

--Kristin Salinas

In case our last post wasn't convincing enough...

Let the BOC fill you in!

http://www.bocatc.org/blog/uncategorized/npi-numbers-essential-for-all-healthcare-providers/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BoardOfCertificationInc+%28Board+of+Certification%2C+Inc.%29

What's your number?

As athletics trainers, our field is so vast and covers so many aspects of health for our student athletes, yet the federal government and primarily insurance companies refuse to let AT’s bill for their services.  This is why it’s important for each AT to attain their NPI (National Provider Identification) number. The NPI numbers were developed from “the Administrative Simplification provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) mandated the adoption of a standard unique identifier for health care providers. The National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) collects identifying information on health care providers and assigns each a unique National Provider Identifier (NPI).” (nppes.cms.hhs.gov)

In plain English, it is the “social security number” of health professions. Without one, insurance companies, including government sponsored programs like Medicaid, do not recognize the medical professional as a provider of health care services. They don't recognize you!

NATA strongly encourages all Athletic Trainers to register for their National Provider Identifier number (NPI)

“NATA views having an NPI number like having a state license: it’s a professional requirement and adds credibility to both the individual and the profession,” says Cate Brennan Lisak, director of external affairs.“Once ATs get their NPI number, it will be theirs forever -- no matter where they work. There’s no downside to having an NPI number.”

Many AT’s are wondering what in for me, how will I benefit from having this number?  The number one benefit is showing legislators and insurance companies, how many qualified health care providers in each category are available. As it stands, about half of practicing ATs have it. Therefore, insurance only sees a small population of us out there. It’s hard to get someone to fight a battle for us if the group they are fighting for is appears to be so small. We, ATs, are not small.

If every AT acquires their NPI number it will give the CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) a reason to take a look at other healthcare professionals (AT’s ) to provide services for their patients.  Once CMS approves AT’s as health care providers for billing purposes on the national level, all other insurance companies will follow. CMS sets the standards for insurance and insurance policies. Therefore, AT’s will be able to bill for the services they provide.  If a clinical athletic trainer is billing for services, it is assumed that salaries will rise to meet our allied health peers. If clinical ATs are making more money, those in the traditional setting will follow suit.  This is important for all of us.

All healthcare providers are eligible to receive NPI’s, all CMS covered healthcare entities are mandated to use the NPI as the sole provider identifier on all HIPAA electronic transactions.

Obtaining an NPI number is simple.  

The NATA has a link with step by step instructions http://www.nata.org/NPI

or you can visit https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/StaticForward.do?forward=static.npistart 

You will need to know Provider Code 22 (Respiratory, Rehabilitative & Restorative Service Providers) and Taxonomy Code 2255A2300X (Athletic Trainer) to complete the process.

NPI’s are FREE and once assigned it’s yours for life. No fees, no upgrades, nada. Its hassle free, but it might be wise to change you address when you move!

So now it’s your turn, go ahead and help the profession take giant step forward. It only takes about 10 minutes of your day and it can do so much for our profession. 

-Julie Ellena

Gearing UP

As we enter into our fall seasons and begin preparations for our student athlete’s to return to school, or cease pre-season practices, I wanted to send out a friendly blog of encouragement.

We all started in our field for various reasons (most importantly fame, fortune, and a lot of free gear), but the reasons that keep us here are vast.  Everyone has that one athlete with whom they’ve grown especially close to over the years.  Maybe you watched them grow up.  Or you helped them through a season-ending injury.  Or you guided them along the path to adulthood.  Whatever your reasons may be, you know there is at least one kid out there who has touched your life.  Be thankful that you had the opportunity to be there for them.

As athletic trainers, we provide a service.  Our services are completely different in each setting, but we all have one goal: to help our patients return to play as quickly and pain-free as possible.  While writing this, I am reminded of one of the many sayings from our athletic director, “Above all else, we prepare Students for Life.”  This is so true on so many levels.  Life is difficult and bumpy, and we provide the bandage when it gets too rough.  Being an athlete forces them to learn so many lessons that come in handy later on in life, like communication, leadership, and working together as a cohesive unit.  We are part of those lessons learned, and our jobs do just as much teaching them those lessons as the drills they run day in and day out.

Think about the preparation you want to instill in your athletes the next time you tape an ankle, make an ice bag, or perform a shoulder evaluation.  Our time is precious, but it can make a big difference.  Remember, we are preparing students for life!

-Courtney Hobbs

Vegas Baby!

Will you be joining your profession in Las Vegas? If so, here is the line up of the Young Professionals Committee's Sponsored Events. We have worked hard to bring you valuable enrichment opportunities that target your needs as a YP, so please keep these in mind when you are planning your convention itenierary. 

YP Community Service Project: MONDAY 2-4 PM

In partnership with LVSportz, the YPC will be presenting an interactive symposium on sports safety to a group of local Foster kids. We will touch on strength and flexibility  core, cardie fitness, nutrition, hydration, concussion safety and heat  illnesses. If you are interested in volunteering for this special event, please email Tiffany McGuffin at tiffanymcguffin730@gmail.com.

YP Social Event: Remembering Our Roots and Forging Our Future WEDNESDAY 5-7PM YP LOUNGE
Enjoy a drink and some light snacks at one of the premier social events of the annual meeting. This is a chance for Young Professional athletic trainers to unwind with members of the NATA Board of Directors, Hall of Famers, national leaders and other YPs.

Meet Your Young Professional Representative. TUESDAY 10-10:45AM YP LOUNGE
Learn about the big issues facing your district, give your input on how the YPC is doing and how to get involved or simply stop by to shake hands with some of the YP leaders in the association. This is also the perfect opportunity to network with other 35-and-younger ATs in a relaxed environment. 

Grumpy Old Men (and Women): Don't Re-Invent the Wheel THURSDAY 10-10:45AM YP LOUNGE

Meet and listen to HOFers, like Past President Marje Albohm, Dale Mildenberger and others talk about inventing the wheel and blazing the paths that got our profession to where it is today. Intended to be informal and entertaining!

Conflict Management in the Workplace Featuring HOFer and Past President Chuck Kimmel  TUESDAY 4-6PM

Athletic trainers are very skilled at responding in emergency situations on the field, but are we also skilled at responding in situations that are critical to our success or that of our athletes and/or our advancement?  Learning how to deal with conflict – rather than avoiding it – is crucial. When conflict is mismanaged, it harms the relationship, but when handled in a respectful, positive way, conflict provides an opportunity for growth. By learning these skills for conflict resolution, you can keep your personal and professional relationships strong, build your reputation and earn your desired result.  This session with Past President Chuck Kimmel, Former YPC Chair Kim Detwiler and YPC National Distinction Award Winner Adam Annaccone, will offer an interactive look at ways to properly manage critical conversations including salary negotiations, workplace disagreements, etc.

Please fill out this very brief survey on Survey Monkey. The National YPC will be meeting in Vegas to outline the 2013-2014 year's projects, and we want to make sure we are getting you what you need to be a successful Young Professional.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9LWZYV3

What other profession?

What other profession?

I’ve been waiting to post about an amazing experience I had back in March. I waited because I realized that this was not a “once in a blue moon” moment. This is our profession and I am proud!

In March, I was at the Big XII basketball tournament at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. After the grueling 1 hour bus ride, we pulled up for practice. I stopped by the athletic training room since I knew Ben Hogan was covering the event and I was excited to say hi to everyone. Everything was set-up on the court and ready as I expected, so I needed nothing other than a hug from Mike Pruitt. A quick 20 minute practice and we were on our way to the hotel.

The next morning I showed up to shoot-around to see Mike Pruitt hauling water and pushing a cart of Gatorade out to the cart with a smile on his face. That evening during half-time, I stood in awe for a moment when I watched Jonathon Hancock (Ben Hogan), Mike Pruitt (SWATA Hall of Fame Member) and Cash Birdwell (SWATA, NATA and SMU Hall of Fame Member) quickly turn over our locker room with ice, shower towels, post-game drinks and snacks. I stood in awe because how many other professions would have hall of famers doing such “menial” jobs? I can’t think of many. It made me think… we ARE different. We are a health care profession, but above that, we are a people profession. These men did this because they wanted to help. They didn’t care about the tasks; they just knew it had to be done. No one looked down on them for being the “water boy” or picking up shower towels. It was something that had to be done and they were going to do it with a smile and laughter. They took care of me in more ways than any other profession would know how. They modeled professionalism. They modeled getting a job done. They modeled being humble. They modeled athletic training.

The next time I had a student complain about filling up bottles or I found myself grumbling about setting up for practice, that day popped up into my head. Why should I look at this as an annoyance when they did not.

So now I open it up to you… Has there been a time when an athletic trainer modeled a behavior that no one else in the health care professions would do? What are some things we do as athletic trainers that aren’t on the job description, but we do it because it means helping people? Let’s take a moment to celebrate one another and realize we are a profession that is truly unlike any other.

Thanks Pruitt, Cash, Jonathon and Kalia for your care, concern and assistance! Thanks for holding athletic trainers to a higher standard!

How do you introduce yourself?

Earlier in the year, I had the opportunity to travel with one of my teams at the high school level for an out of town tournament. This is not something that is mandatory at my school, but I use this as an opportunity to gain a rapport with my coaches and athletes, but to also network with the host athletic trainer. After arriving at the gym for practice, the host athletic trainer introduced himself to my coaches. While my coaches were pleased to meet the host athletic trainer, they mentioned that they had a Licensed Athletic Trainer traveling with them. When I noticed from a distance who he was, I took it upon myself to go introduce myself. As I introduced myself with my name, and he did his, I was not too sure what he said his name was, so at the end of the conversation, I asked, “and what was your name again?” He replied back with, “Doc.”
 

WHAT?!?! I understand that a lot of athletic trainers are referred to as “Doc” but I was shocked when he introduced himself to another Licensed Athletic Trainer as “Doc”. Now had he of said, “My name is __________, but you can call me “Doc”, I would have found that a little more appropriate.
 

It was at this moment, when I realized that there are a lot of athletic training professionals that are still “old school”. I understand that the term “Doc” was widely used in the Athletic Training Profession years ago as a nickname, but a lot of athletic trainers are moving away from this term. I believe this term creates confusion for the athletes and parents because they think they are seeing a Doctor when the athletic trainer is referred to as “Doc.” But in this particular case, “Doc” was not referred to as a nickname, rather it was the way he introduced himself. After our brief conversation, I then went to my phone to look up the school’s website to find out what his real name was, which I should have learned in his introduction.
 

So as the school year comes to a close for most of us, attending Conventions and Symposiums is in our horizon. We encourage our colleagues to network with professionals and to always make good first impressions. Remember to introduce yourself accurately and appropriately. Not only are you representing yourself and your work place, but you never know who you will meet or get introduced to. 

Thank you's!

I just finished reading this month's issue of NATA News, and I have to say Jaimie Siegle and Ruth Riggan did fantastic jobs with their reports on both Capitol Hill Day and the Nomenclature issue. 
I think it is awesome that there are so many AT's out there willing to donate their precious time and effort to rally for us in Washington.  It seems as though the best way for our profession to push the envelope is through the PHYSICAL Act, and I hope that the legislation will move forward with this issue.  As a whole, I believe all of us AT's ultimately want one thing: safe and healthy athletes. 
A special thank you for all those AT's who took the survey that was sent out through NATA regarding “the name change” issue.  Because of you guys, the profession is armed with the knowledge it needs to move forward.  Although we will not be changing our profession's name in the near future, I think we have a better grasp on (1) state practice acts, (2) job conditions, (3) salary and reimbursement understanding.  Not only that, but according to the survey on public perception administered by MBA students at the University of Dallas, people actually know us and understand what it is we do!  Common misconceptions regarding our profession are quickly dissolving.  What exciting news! 
I, for one, think 2012 was an awesome year for Athletic Trainers, and I cannot wait to see how the rest of 2013 will turn out.  Thank you again to everyone for all of your hard work, keep it up! 
On a side note, if you have not read the article about NATA's new "Safe Sports School Award," I suggest you do that.  You can learn more or start the application process for your school by contacting NATA's Strategic Activities Department at sad@nata.org

AT's needed!!

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer event will be in Houston this coming weekend, April 20-21st and we are in need of more Athletic Trainer’s! If you are able to volunteer a day, afternoon, morning, or even a few hours of your time Saturday or Sunday to help with the Medical Crew please email me as soon as possible! A small group of us have volunteered for the last 5 years and we would love to expand the Athletic Trainer involvement on the route and at the medical village. The walker’s/participants know who Athletic Trainers are and continually seek us out to help fix their blisters and various orthopedic injuries year after year. J

We will be located at various “rest stops” along the route in the downtown area over the two days. I will provide you with the address/location of the rest stops upon contact. We mainly provide care for blisters, abrasions, occasional dehydration, minor strains and sprains. Avon will provide various medical supplies, however you might want to bring your scissors and kit.

If you are interested in helping out please don’t hesitate to email me! juliesuits@sheldonisd.com

Prayers

Thoughts and prayers go out to Ware's family and friends for the horrible injury he suffered in tonight's game.  A big thank you for the medical and hospital staff who responded so quickly to help this young man!

Spell Check People

As young professionals, we often find ourselves moving between jobs in order to find our "nitch,” or to have families, before we settle in for the long haul.  That means resumes.  Resumes, resumes, resumes.  Oh, and cover letters. 
Why in the world, as a candidate vying for a position, would you not triple check your resume and cover letter before sending it in?  Why would you not have a friend or family member do the same?  If your resume is full of grammatical and spelling mistakes, as well as formatting errors, then you do not look as professional on paper and someone who has their stuff together.  This could really hurt you, in that you could get passed on a phone or in-person interview.  Which means your could-be employer would never get to see how awesome you are off paper. 
I realize spell check does not always catch everything, which is why another set of eyes is the best bet.  Also, knowing when to use the proper forms of “their” “there,” and “they’re” is not only helpful when writing a resume, but also for communication in general.
Spell check!  It's there for a reason!

Bill of Rights

The Secondary School Student Athletes' Bill of Rights- Protecting America's Student Athletes
(As taken from this months' NATA News)
1. Student athletes have the right to be coached by individuals who are well trained in sports-specific safety and to be monitored by athletic health care team members.
Are your coaches CPR and first aid certified?  Are they aware when athletes are not taped/braced?  If a helmet is fitted properly?  
2. Student athletes have the right to quality, regular pre-participation examinations and each athlete has the right to participate under a comprehensive management plan.
Are there concussion management protocols in place at your school?  Are these protocols outdated, or do they need to be reviewed to determine if they are in line with current documentation?
3.  Student athletes have the right to participate in sporting activities on safe, clean playing surfaces, in both indoor and outdoor facilities.
4. Student athletes have the right to utilize equipment and uniforms that are safe, fitted appropriately and routinely maintained, and to appropriate personnel trained in proper removal of equipment in case of emergency.
Have the AED's, spine boards, and splints been routinely checked?  Are the student athletes practicing in outdated and hazardous pads and face masks?  Are the braces and sleeves we provide worn, and past the point of serving their intended purpose?  
5.  Student athletes have the right to participate safely in all environmental conditions where play follows approved guidelines and medical policies and procedures, with a hydration plan in place.
This is not just limited to football practices.  Are the swimmers practicing in a grounded pool, and do you have the documentation on file?  When you are unable to travel with the team, are you aware of the host school's policies and hydration plans?
6.  Student athletes have the right to a safe playing environment with venue-specific emergency action plans that are coordinated by the athletic health care team and regularly rehearsed with local emergency personnel.
If road or building construction will change the entry or exit for an emergency vehicle to the scene, is this something that is discussed before an event takes place?  
7.  Student athletes have the right to privacy of health information and proper referral for medical, psychological and nutritional counseling.
8.  Student athletes have the right to participate in a culture that finds "playing through pain" unacceptable unless there has been a medical assessment.
9.  Student athletes have the right to immediate, on-site injury assessments with decisions made by qualified sports medicine professionals.
10.  Student athletes have the right, along with their parents, to the latest information about the benefits and potential risks of participation in competitive sports, including access to statistics of fatalities and catastrophic injuries to youth athletes.
These statistics can be provided at pre-participatin exams, and/or in take-home tryout letters.  There are also posters and flyers that can be put up around the athletic facility.  Student athletes and parents should also be aware of the risks of taking medications without reporting them to the athletic health care personnel. 

These rights were adopted at the Annual Youth Sports Safety Summit Feb. 5-6 in Washington, D.C.  100 different organizations were represented at this summit to advocate the protection of our young athletes on Capitol Hill.  My comments are nearly meant to be suggestions and questions to help you look at these issues from a different perspective.  

Setting A Good Example- Conflict Resolution

The time of year for performance reviews/ evaluations is quickly rolling around.  Some of the biggest factors our supervisors look at across the profession are teamwork, communication, and how we deal with conflicts in the workplace.
Conflicts can arise at any time, over any situation.  We've all been there, and we've all fallen into the trap of thinking before we speak.  Next time you do not see eye-to-eye with a coach, athlete/patient, supervisor, etc. try to remember that their perception is so much different that your own. 
- Try to stay calm and breathe, remember to listen to everything they are saying, as well as sympathize with them.  You can understand without agreeing.  Plus the calmer and more rational you are in the situation, the less likely it is to escalate into a full-blown argument.
- Control your emotions and behavior.  Our peers feed off our negative energy and emotions.  Conversely, the same is true of positive energy... it can spread like wildfire!  Do not be afraid to ask for a time out, or to step away from the situation.  This shows a more mature way of handling the situation, and no one can fault you for that.
- Be aware of your differences.  Again, conflict often happens due to differences in perception.  What you may view as right/wrong or helpful/hurtful, someone may see as the opposite.  Trying to understand where they come from and their background may help shed some light on why they feel the way they do.
- Know when to let go, or let it roll off.  Not all battles are meant to be fought.  Be willing to forgive, and ask for forgiveness. 
- Be willing to compromise.  In this situation, neither party is getting what they want, but at least the situation is solved.  Sometimes a solution can even be "agree to disagree."
- One of the biggest things stressed in our profession is documentation.  If you find yourself working daily with a difficult person with whom conflict is a regular issue, document all of your interactions.  This will help cover your rear if it comes down to it.
Ask your co-workers for their opinion of your conflict resolution skills.  Do not be offended by what they have to say, as constructive criticism can only hurt if you let it.  Be willing to adapt and make the change if needed!
 

History in the Making

Happy National Athletic Training Month to all my fellow athletic trainers!
This blog is just a quick history by the numbers... Just a little something to remind us all of where we started.  You can't know where you're going unless you know where you came from 😀

1917- The first major text on athletic training, and the care of athletic-related injuries "The Trainer's Bible" by S. E. Bilik, was written.
1920- Cramer launched their first line of products used by athletic trainers.
1950- The National Athletic Trainers Association was founded.
1959- The first athletic training curriculum was approved by the NATA.
1969- The NATA Board of Certification was created to establish a certification process for entry-level athletic trainers.
1982- By this time, there were 9 approved athletic training curriculums at the undergraduate level.
2003- The Joint Review Committee took over the process and became an independent accrediting agency.
2013- Today our profession has grown into many non-traditional roles that still adhere to the six domains of athletic training.  We continue to produce knowledgable professionals who genuinely care for our athletes, patients, and students like family.

Take the rest of the month to look back on the profession's history.  Let's remember to take pride in all we've come from, learned, and produced.  I challenge everyone to think of one person who helped mold you into the athletic trainer you are today, and take a quick minute to express your gratitude.  We all know a little "thank you" goes a long way with us! 😀

National Athletic Training Month 2013! #AT4EveryBody #NATM2013

Happy National Athletic Training Month 2013! Every Body Needs an Athletic Trainer!

Springtime is one of the busiest times of year for a secondary school athletic trainer so it’s nice to take some time to remember why we love what we do.  I was recently out on maternity leave and was given time to truly see why I decided to be an athletic trainer. 

I work with a wonderful athletic trainer that made sure I did not feel any guilt or have any worries while I was out and he took over all of my work duties.  I am very grateful to be able to work with someone like this that was constantly reminding me that my family came first, he worked extra taking care of all of our athletes and still made time to come visit my family and wish us well while I was out.  You see it’s what athletic trainers do; they take care of each other because every body needs an athletic trainer.

I also get to work with great student athletes.  For example, while out on leave a student athlete that I had spent many hours over the last two years working with in rehabilitation from two different surgeries contacted me, begging that I attend the last home game of the season and her senior night.  I was so touched that she wanted me there to watch her compete in her last home game, but just before the game she publicly thanked me over the loud speakers for helping her return competition.  I did all I could not to tear up! We work each day as athletic trainers never expecting a thank you and when you receive one, in that manner, it’s the greatest feeling especially when you get to watch them achieve their goals after sitting out so long. We get the opportunity to help an athlete through tough times, we push them physically, mentally and emotionally to help them get back to sport and activity that they love, seeing them return is really the only thank you we need! Student athletes need athletic trainers; every body needs an athletic trainer.  

I work with crazy and fun coaches. My office door is always open (whenever I am actually in it) and one of my favorite things when a coach steps in just to vent a little or a lot.  As athletic trainers we are often to sounding board and safe spot for coaches to vent about a rough day, hard fought loss, frustrating athlete or anything else on there mind.  Coaches need athletic trainers, every body needs athletic trainers.

I get to work with an awesome nurse. At our school the nurses and athletic trainers try to work closely with each other to provide care for all of the students and staff on campus.  We try to use each others strengths in different situations; we are called in most emergencies and for musculoskeletal injuries and all concussions that occur on campus.  So the student body needs athletic trainers, the nurse needs athletic trainers, every body needs athletic trainers.

I love being an athletic trainer, working with a variety of people and caring for variety of different needs. 

Share why you love your job and why every body needs an athletic trainer #AT4EveryBody #NATM2013

National Athletic Training Month Challenge

Last year while watching a basketball game, I happened to notice our cheerleaders out on the gym floor doing a basket toss.  Most of the time I try not to watch our cheerleaders because just their normal stunting makes me nervous, but I just happened to look up and see a girl flying through the air.  Now, I am not an expert on cheerleading by any means, but I do know, from working for the Universal Cheerleading Association for a couple of summers, that basket tosses are not supposed to done unless there are mats underneath.  I addressed this with our athletic director and he said that we definitely needed to look into it.

Well this year I look up and we are doing basket tosses again.  When I confronted our cheer sponsor about it, she said that she had discussed it with our athletic director.  They had decided that it was a fine print rule and that, if they were going to follow that rule, there were a lot of other rules they would have to follow and it would cost too much money.  Unfortunately I did not agree with this statement.  If we are going to have cheerleading at our school, we need to make sure to follow the safety measures put in place in order to protect our athletes.

I decided to address this one more time with our athletic director, just to make my above opinion known.  Apparently there was some miscommunication between him and the cheerleading sponsor because he agreed with me and said that we would do what needed to be done.

Now not all situations work out as well as this one did when dealing with rules, regulations, and compliance, but I just wanted to give everyone a reminder, as we head into National Athletic Training Month, that we need to remember the purpose of our profession.  Sometimes we may have to have uncomfortable conversations or be the annoying person that keeps bringing up safety hazards, but we are all in this career because we want to provide safe environments in which our athletes and patients can perform.

So this month, do not just put up banners or make t-shirts in order to get the word out about athletic training (although those are great things to do).  Take the time to address an issue or concern that has to do with the safety of your athletes because, after all, that is what athletic training is all about.

We The People...

...of athletic training, in order to provide the best possible health care for life and sport, protect adolescent athletes, prevent and manage potentially life-threatening situations, and educate athletes, parents and legislators must act swiftly and advocate passionately for the recognition of our great profession as the premier health care provider for "athletes" of every type and nature.

Today, members of the Youth Sports Safety Alliance will be meeting with members of Congress to present the "Student-Athletes Bill of Rights" and their plan to keep youth sports safe.  On the heels of a day where several experts and advocates for safer sport making impassioned and informative pleas to shift the focus from safer professional sports to the safety of sports at every level, it is becoming more and more clear that athletic trainers must be part of this equation.

Only 42% of high school athletic programs have access to athletic trainers.

This number doesn't include the countless junior high athletic programs, and club programs where adolescent athletes are participating with out an athletic trainer.

“You wouldn’t put football players on the field if you couldn’t afford helmets,” said Dawn Comstock, an epidemiology professor at the University of Colorado. “Why are you putting a football team on the field if you can’t afford a certified athletic trainer?”

Demonstrating the need for an athletic trainer is getting easier, but we still have a ways to go and it's going to take action from we the people of athletic training, as well as the athletes, and parents.  Demand leads to action.

Help create the demand by signing and sharing this petition to bring attention to our fight!

Ensure Youth Athletes have Direct Access to ATs: 

health care professionals qualified to make assessments and decisions.

Unattached Chaos

Recently at my current place of employment we have come across a very frustrating issue and also a very frustrating conversation that nobody seems to have an answer for.  The issue is the idea of the"Unattached Runner" in the track and field world.

So what exactly is an "Unattached Runner"?  It seems to me that, although this individual is on your team roster, he/she may be red-shirted or have other issues that will not allow them to run at actual meets.  However it doesn't stop there. They are allowed to go to the same meet that your actual team is at and compete as an "Unattached Runner".  To me the seems a bit crazy in the sports world.  I currently cover Men's basketball and this would be the equivalent of one of my players playing in another league while we are in season and the coach actually encouraging this activity.

So now that we have the basics of what this idea is, let's dive into what makes it very frustrating on the medical care and coverage side of things.  Let's say you work at a university that has the policy that they do not medically cover financially any injury that was not linked to your athlete directly competing as part of the team?  So when you are at a meet and you are there to cover your team that is comepeting for the university how do handle all of your athletes that may be there also competing on their own?  To me it seems like it puts the athlete in a bind if they do happen to compete and get hurt, and now they are finacially responsibile for anything that pertains to that injury.  Their response is going to be "coach told me I had to go run", and honestly I cant blame them for now being upset.  So that is where the frustration side sets in.  As Athletic Trainers it is in our blood to take care of our athletes when something is wrong with them.  However, in the situtaion sometimes it seems as if our hands are tied and it is a disservice to that athlete that once we get back on campus in noraml activities becomes a team member.  In our world, from the day we start our education, we are told to always be there and be ready to help our athletes. Yet, this situation seems to cause alot of frustrating situations and conversations.

So if there is anybody out there that may have the life saving answer, I would love to hear how to handle this situation better. 

Thanks for letting me vent for a little while, hope everyday has a wonderful day.