All articles tagged with #sports health
Deion Sanders, the University of Colorado football coach and NFL Hall of Famer, publicly revealed he underwent bladder removal surgery after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer.
A study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Care of the Athletic Heart conference found that nearly half of elite athletes suffer from elevated blood pressure, putting them at higher risk for cardiac arrest. The research, which involved 1,200 young athletes, revealed that training regimens, diet, and physical size contribute to hypertension. The findings emphasize the need for routine blood pressure screening in sports physicals to prevent potentially fatal cardiovascular events.
Dr. Shae Datta, co-director of the NYU Langone Concussion Center, emphasizes the seriousness of concussions and the importance of proper treatment and monitoring. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, and treatment varies based on severity. Parents should ensure symptoms have completely resolved before allowing their child to return to sports, and imaging may be necessary in some cases. To prevent long-term consequences, it's crucial to report and treat concussions promptly, and a multidisciplinary team can assess an athlete's readiness to return to play.
Former NBA player Nate Robinson, who has been battling kidney failure for six years, revealed that he is in urgent need of a kidney transplant and fears he doesn't have long to live if he doesn't receive one. Robinson, 39, undergoes dialysis three times a week for four hours a day and experiences painful side effects, including vomiting. His kidney issues stem from high blood pressure during his NBA career, and he now advocates for greater awareness of kidney health. Despite his health struggles, Robinson remains grateful for each day and the opportunity to spend time with his family.
Following the Dolphins-Chiefs deep-freeze playoff game, some attendees have undergone amputations due to frostbite, with more expected in the coming weeks. The NFL faces questions about liability for injuries sustained in extreme cold, prompting consideration of whether games should be postponed or moved in such conditions. While attendees make their own choices, the league may need to reevaluate its policies in light of severe weather-related injuries.
Former professional rugby players Alix Popham and Lenny Woodard, who represented Wales in rugby, were diagnosed with early onset dementia and probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in their 40s, likely due to repeated head trauma from playing the sport. They are among more than 450 current and former rugby players suing global governing body World Rugby and national governing bodies for negligence in protecting players from permanent injury caused by concussions. Experts warn that head injury protocols in collision-based sports like rugby may not adequately address the risks of repeated head trauma, and studies have shown a high prevalence of CTE in former rugby players. The lawsuit comes a decade after the NFL reached a settlement over similar issues, and experts emphasize the need to prioritize player welfare and safety in sports.
Boston University's Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center has led the research on CTE and its connections to football, shaping a revolution in the sport's safety measures and sparking a decline in participation. However, the fear of CTE has outpaced the science, leading to heightened concerns in players and families. The research suffers from a selection bias, and the narrative has become oversimplified, creating tensions within the research community. While BU's work has contributed to a significant understanding of CTE, there are concerns about the public's understanding of the research findings and the potential for misinterpretation.
The Kansas City Fire Department provided aid to 69 people, with nearly 50% treated for hypothermia symptoms, during the Chiefs' frigid playoff game against the Miami Dolphins, which was the fourth coldest in NFL history. Emergency services were required due to the -4 degrees Fahrenheit temperature at kickoff, with a wind chill of -20 degrees, and the temperature dropping to -9 degrees by the end of the game. The University of Kansas Health System also reported treating numerous patients for weather-related problems, including frostbite and exposure, amid the deep freeze in the Kansas City metro area.
Dozens of hypothermia-related calls were handled by Kansas City first responders at the Chiefs vs Dolphins game, with 15 people transported to the hospital, seven for hypothermia and three for frostbite, amid subzero temperatures marking the coldest game ever played at Arrowhead Stadium. Experts warn of the serious health risks posed by the extreme cold, advising immediate treatment for frostbite and recognizing the signs of hypothermia, which can become life-threatening if left untreated.
During the Kansas City Chiefs' Wild Card game against the Miami Dolphins at Arrowhead Stadium, first responders handled 69 calls, with approximately half related to hypothermia, as the game took place in subzero temperatures. Fifteen people were transported to a local hospital, seven for hypothermia and three for frostbite. The extreme cold, marking the coldest game ever played at Arrowhead Stadium, led to numerous health concerns, including frostbite and hypothermia, prompting warnings and advice from medical professionals.
Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton's daughters raised over $459,000 through crowdfunding to cover medical expenses due to Retton's hospitalization for a rare form of pneumonia and lack of health insurance. The family has been overwhelmed by the public's response but has not disclosed how the funds are being spent. Retton, who has had over 30 orthopedic surgeries, was unable to afford health insurance due to high costs related to pre-existing conditions. The family plans to donate any remaining funds to charity after medical bills are paid, but details about the expenditures or the charity have not been provided.