Proprioception: Could it be God-GPS?
Proprioceptors: these are small sensory organs nestled among the fibers of tendons in joints. They respond to compression from various angles and report to the brain command center what position a particular body part is in and how fast it is moving. This is key because the brain command center uses this info to predict […]
Don’t Just Stand There, Move
The anatomy and physiology book from which I used to teach college students states, “Biologists have found that all living things share certain basic characteristics, including the following (in this order): responsiveness, growth and differentiation, reproduction, movement (internal or external), metabolism and excretion. By internal movement, they mean the movement of things inside the organism. By […]
If Forward Motion is Life, Does Speed Kill?
It’s a whole lot easier to guide something that’s already moving than to overcome the inertia of a thing standing still. I guess the challenge is to set sail, all the while with whetted finger hoisted into the air ready to sense changes in the winds. To be seeking and searching for guidance. I am […]
Today, I kick-off
I just came from a gathering of Christian pastors and lay people at the beautiful Lake Junaluska retreat center in the mountains of North Carolina. So much hesitation. So many who desire to do things just right. Studying. Learning. Talking and listening. Planning. Figuring. Waiting. And oh yes, worshiping and praising God. But there is […]
Concussion Conundrum: Referees’ Role In Preventing Head Injuries
Everyone agrees: We don’t want our young players suffering concussions. The difficulty comes in figuring out how to minimize them. There is a lot to this conversation; I only just scratched the surface in a two-part article. In the first, we looked at the nature of the injury and in the second, how to return […]
Strengthening Our Girls Against Concussions, Three Simple Ways to Build Neck and Core Strength While Keeping it Fun
Concussions are rampant in youth soccer, especially with our girls. We know what symptoms to look for. We have taught them proper technique. But girls need to be physically stronger in the challenge in order to protect themselves from injury. Check out the Fit2Finish video for three ways to strengthen your players that are simple, effective, and […]
Concussions in Youth Sports Part II: What Parents, Coaches and Players Can Do
Read part I of this concussion series here. Paul Rupp, head Athletic Trainer at Oakton High School in Vienna, Va., has an extensive concussion protocol that is well-documented in athletic training literature. First, when he diagnoses a concussion, the student’s circle of teachers, administrators, counselors and parents are all notified. The athlete is counseled to stay home, […]
Concussion in Youth Sports Part I: A Shaking of the Brain with Serious Consequences
The kid is everywhere. She’s taking command of the midfield and dictating play. Balls in the air. Balls on the ground. Nothing gets past her. She camps under another punt, and tenses, ready to send it forward. She goes up for the ball, but so does their striker. Heads, elbows and ball collide. Both girls […]
5K Run Training Plan: This Schedule Will Get You Across the Finish Line
Your fitness needing a little boost? Signing up for a fall 5K race is the perfect motivator. Are you hesitating? Maybe you’ve never run a 5K? Or maybe you’re thinking about getting into (or back into) running, but you’re asking how will I ever run 3.2 miles? Glad you asked. You need to set up a schedule […]
Youth Soccer Players:Take Your Game Home Over the Summer
Don’t you love that last day of school? You return all your books, say goodbye to your teachers and head out the door. Don’t have to think about any of THAT stuff till September. All good, unless you volunteered to take the class pet home for the summer. Him, you have to feed, water, exercise […]