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Football Injuries in Youth Sports

Keith J Cronin — Thu, 20 May 2010 11:35:00 GMT

There is a lot of "scary" information about injuries sustained playing football. Concussions, broken necks, torn ACLs, dislocated shoulders, and the list goes on. Any parent is terrified by just thought of "going to the emergency room" because their child was tackled too hard or landed funny on their knee. The tough part about football is this is "the nature of the game," and while some injuries are reduced with proper equipment and training, others are just going to happen.

Football is a Collision Sports....Not a Contact Sport

Something that is important to clarify is that football is a "collision sport" not a "contact sport." This is defined as repeated hits that sound more like car wrecks than two people bumping into each other. Advances in padding and helmets, including more durable plastics, creates a crashing sound that is heard throughout the field. As children get older, this tackling noise escalates to semi-trucks hitting each other head on every 30 to 60 seconds.

While in sports like baseball, soccer, and basketball, contact does occur but it is not frequent and not the primary instinct of every player on the field. The game of football revolves around blocking and tackling so someone with the ball can run through the mess. This means during every play there is usually some contact between every player on the field. The body was only meant to take so many hits, thus, too many explosive hits or just the sheer volume of repeated blows wears down the body.

ACL Tears and Broken Bones

Football is notorious for broken bones and ACL tears.  Up on the line, body parts are flung about wildly, offering a change for a foot or knee to get caught in a precarious position, resulting in a torn ACL. Taking a hard hit to the rib cage can break ribs while landing on a outstretched arm can snap a wrist or worse, breaks when another player steps on a hand or fingers.

Training techniques, such as proper conditioning and mechanics, reduces risk of these injuries but they are going to happen. This again is the nature of the game. No matter how many lunging drills an athlete participates in to promote good hip/knee control it will never offset a 200+ pound person tripping and falling into the side of a planted foot. In the NFL, players get hit constantly but get up for the next play, seemingly without a problem. Then one "funny looking hit" results in a broken arm or ribs, simply because of bad luck.

Reducing Risk of Injury in Football

In respects to football, there are many injuries that are going to occur regardless of safety measures, careful observation by parents and coaches, or through training techniques. Broken bones, sprains, and strains are simply part of the game. The following is a list of means to reduce risk or prevent major injuries should they occur:

Head Injuries - Any sort of serious head injury or signs of a concussion means no playing until evaluated by a physician. To learn more check out www.youthsportsparents.com There is a ton of information to help evaluate, assess, and respond to a head injury.

Pain While Sleeping - Pain that does not go away at night, keeping an athlete up, is something that should be looked at. Pain that does not decrease with rest suggests a more serious injury and should be evaluated by a physician.

Constantly Limping or Holding Arm - In football, every play will "rough up" some players, resulting in them standing slowly or limping around a bit. This pattern continues for a whole game, day, or even week and the athlete should be evaluated for bigger issues.

Overtraining- If an athlete is getting slower, less responsive, and just doesn't have the energy they use to, it is time to get the doctor involved.  Many times overtraining results in the body breaking down faster than it repairs itself. Often just a few days or week rest and the athlete is good as new.

Any sort of serious head injury or signs of a concussion means no playing until evaluated by a physician. To learn more check out There is a ton of information to help evaluate, assess, and respond to a head injury.

Keeping Up a Workout Routine

Keith J Cronin — Thu, 13 May 2010 11:27:00 GMT

The hardest part about "sticking to a workout routine" is....well, sticking with it. It is difficult enough spending many hours each we sweating on a treadmill, hitting the weights, or avoiding all the tasty desserts at the office. The most important way to establish a regular routine is to have goals. Not lofty goals.....real concrete attainable goals that are written down and evaluated as time passes.

Setting Workout Goals

Many people fall into the trap of starting a fitness routine without a concrete reason. If the inspiration was birthed from reading a Cosmo or Men's Health and saying, "Yeah....I want to look like that," it is not going to be enough. Establishing personal goals based upon what other people are doing (in a magazine, airbrushed, and probably spending 3 hours in the gym to keep their modeling gig) is the way to go.

Often, fitness goals look like the following:

Lose 40 pounds for Beach Season
Run a marathon
Drop 8 dress sizes
Increase bench press by 100 pounds
Prepare for sports season
Office is running a weight loss contest
Get healthy

At the end of the day, all of these goals have two main running themes:

Look Good Naked
Accomplish Something that is Difficult to Establish Self-Worth

Analyzing Fitness Goals

Let's analyze this. The first one "look good naked," that is pretty easy. All weight lose, sculpt arms, or drop dress/pants size goals are to look better naked. Psychologically, this is raises self-esteem when other people tell you how good you look. Great! There is nothing wrong with that. The problem comes in when a person measures their waist and muscles everyday, along with staring at scale 10x a day. Falling into this pattern of "obsession with pounds" can frustrate someone trying to stick to a workout routine.

The object of this goal was to feel better about yourself. Consistently "beating yourself up" is not the way to go. Setting a goal for losing 40 pounds is fine.....assuming it is done over months to a year, not if beach season is a few weeks away. Because sticking with and attaining this goal leads right into "accomplish something that is difficult to establish self-worth."

What does this statement mean? Simple, "you feel good that you set out to complete something difficult and you made it happen." Running a marathon, preparing for a sports season, or getting healthy are all long term things that have personal benefits to them. It is like a personal resume that is only for you to see. Not establishing a goal in respects this area is debilitating. Saying "I am going to run everyday" without a purpose does not last long. Believing "getting to the gym 5x a week" without a reason and long term purpose won't make it through the month.

Long Term Results with Fitness

Establishing a regular workout routine is more than just about "getting fit," is a commitment to a lasting healthy lifestyle. Media and those selling products, such as pills, quick fixes, and "the only exercise machine you will ever need" are trying to make this area of interest very difficult to understand. It is not complicated! Eat healthy, exercise, and manage stress all generally fall in line with whatever goals are set forth. Start simple....start now.

Throwing Too Many Curveball Hurts the Arm

Keith J Cronin — Tue, 11 May 2010 11:32:00 GMT

Little League programs have instituted many guidelines to reduce the number of pitches thrown per game, week, and for what team. All in all it has been a pretty good job to spread awareness. Their guidelines have gotten many parents and coaches to get out "the clicker" and count pitches. But the question still remains is why during the Little League world series does it seem like every other or third pitch is a curveball or breaking pitch? Parents and coaches are getting the idea but are still missing the big picture when it comes to pitching.

Curveballs Hurt the Arm at Young Ages

If there is no other statistic to prove what to many breaking balls does to the pitching shoulder, just ask any sports orthopedic surgeon that works on ball players? You may not have time....because they are too busy doing surgeries! Breaking pitches, curveball and sliders (more notably sliders), put an increased strain on the elbow and shoulder when thrown. The snapping or the wrist, altered arm angle, and torquing of the elbow produces a motion that allows a ball to curve and drop, great for a pitcher looking for a strikeout but really bad for a 11 year old's arm.

Particular to the slider is the increase in baseball pitcher injuries in the pros. Since the 1980s, more pitchers have been placed on the DL and in surgery as the slider has become more part of the "normal routine." Interestingly enough, the slider is different then other pitches, as the arm rotates around the body quicker than a fastball, change up, or even curveball, resulting in increased stress at the elbow. What does this translate to? Pretty much surgery if done too much at a young age.

Too Many Breaking Balls Bad for Pitchers Long Term Future

While this article could turn into a long explanation of skeletal immaturity vs. throwing too much....the point has been made. Here is another consideration. Throwing too many breaking pitches will hurt future development. What does this mean? Simple, becoming dependent on throwing "junk" pitches at a young age to "get batters out" may do well at the 8-14 ages but into high school, college, minors, and into pros it won't work anymore. A pitcher must develop command of a fastball and change-up, being able to place the ball wherever they want with consistency. By developing the ability to strike out batters with fastball and change ups at a young age, the incorporation of breaking pitchers later (after 16 years old) will add to a foundation of throwing. A pitcher with a great fastball and change up can throw a mediocre curveball and still find great success.

Many pitchers will counter with "but practice makes perfect." Throwing more
What the Pros are Looking For
breaking pitches results in a stellar slider that can strikeout any batter. The only problem with this is the scouts for colleges and the pros don't care! Here is what they want:

Command of a Fastball
Command of a Change-Up
A Body to Put More Weight On
A History of Minimal to No Injuries

They can teach pitchers how to throw breaking pitches....that is their jobs. The four bullets above they cannot teach and are highly coveted at all levels of play. Most particular these days are "a history with minimal to no injuries." No damaged goods....period. Staying healthy and relatively injury free is the way to go.

Benefits of Real Fruit vs. Canned Fruit

Keith J Cronin — Wed, 05 May 2010 11:30:00 GMT

Whether it is picked off a tree or soaking in a bath of sugar water, people sometimes believe that "fruit is fruit." Although regular fruit and canned fruit came from the same place, by the time these two different foodstuffs hit the digestive system they are not as similar. In the end, eating the real stuff is a greater benefit that anything in a can.

Differences Between Fruit and Canned Fruit

For this example, the fruit in question will be a pear. A regular pear, one picked fresh, shipped, and bought at a grocery store, is a very nutrient dense fruit......very tasty. The halved pear slices bought in the store as picked fresh, shipped, stripped of skin and sliced, bathed in high fructose corn syrup, and then pressed into a can. In the end they are both still pears, but the body does not see it the same way.

A great benefit about all natural fruit is it provides carbohydrates, water, and a variety of vitamins. When the "natural pear" hit the stomach, a series of events unfold to break down all the skin and tough fibrous substances that hold in the nutrients. This process slows down the digestion process and releases sugars at a steady pace into the blood stream, helping to balance blood sugar. All along, the fibrous junk inside the pear acts to "clean up" the colon on its way out, a process that is believed to reduce chances of polyps that lead to colon cancer. All together a pretty good system.

The canned fruit counterpart does not act quite the same. Stripping of all the skin and soaking in high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) makes digestion a lot easier.....too easy. That same pear "in a can" has a significant amount of added calories with the HFCS and digestion happens too fast as there is less breakdown necessary to get the pear into the blood stream. Sugars, including the very un-natural HFCS, blast the blood stream fast and create a "high" sensation that will follow with a "crash" later. The canned fruit does not establish the natural balance that the "picked and eaten" one does, thus, throwing off the whole system and benefit for the fruit all together.

Eat Natural Food

Eating natural food is the better way to go. This does not mean everything has to have an "organic" label or have a back story about growing in some grandma's backyard with her "own two hands." It is much simpler that this. EAT REAL FOOD, NOT FOOD LIKE PRODUCTS (shout out to Michael Pollen for quoting that one). An apple is much difference than processed sliced apples dipped in caramel....they are no longer the same thing to the body.

So, if you are feeling up and down all day (highs and lows) check out your diet. From the economist viewpoint, don't go crazy and eat nothing but organic carrots and broccoli and condemn anything in a box. Find some balance.....start with a salad instead of french fries.....an apple instead of applesauce.......or how about one cheeseburger instead of ten. Yummy!

Top 3 Reasons to Have a Good Pair of Running Shoes

Keith J Cronin — Mon, 03 May 2010 11:36:00 GMT

There several things in this world that the "less expensive version for" is generally okay. Knock off purses and wallets may fool some people but have a bad pair of running shoes does not "trick your body." From an economist standpoint, shoes get a considerable amount of work everyday, particularly when running. Depending on speed, 3x to 10x your body weight could be exerted through your joints with each pounding step. Have poor support or flimsy shoes can cause body aches that could have been avoided.

Top 3 Reasons to Have a Good Pair of Running Shoes

1. Good Investment - Shoes have a great "bang for your buck" ratio that makes them a good investment. Everyday, people spend hours on their feet, suggesting the "per use" cost of shoes is very low.

2. Protects the Feet - Running puts considerable stress through the feet with every step. A "cheap" pair of running shoes may break down faster and not spread out the forces correctly through the feet. This can translate into plantar fascitis, heel bruising or spurs, or perhaps a strained achilles tendon.

3. Saves the Back - Pretty much every step a person takes leads to something involving the back. About $100 billion is spent on back related problems each year. By popping for a nice pair of running shoes, it will reduce the risk of excessive compression through the spine with each step. Of course, strengthening and having good running form doesn't hurt either.

Stressing Out Over Body Weight

Keith J Cronin — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:32:00 GMT

There is a lot of pressure to "weigh" a certain amount in American society. Too often we get caught up on a single number that often does more damage to our psychology than our actual body's. Research has concluded that carrying a little extra weight isn't a big deal, something that contradicts every BMI measurement ever taken. Nevertheless, being a 100 pounds overweight is still generally bad for your health.

Carrying Extra Body Weight

"A Case for Those Extra 10 Pounds ," an article printed in The Wall Street Journal and written by Katherine Rosman, suggests that carrying some extra weight isn't a big deal. The article points out that "carrying an extra 10 to 15 pounds" demonstrates no major health complications and in some cases decreases risk for osteoporosis. The argument for good bone density has to do with "subcutaneous tissue releasing estrogen" which generally improves bone strength.

Furthermore, the article points out that that small amounts of exercise "just two times a week" can reduce the long term affects of a sedentary lifestyle. This research supports other findings that doing "just a little bit everyday" helps reduce risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and general physical ailments, the result of lack of activity.

Psychology of the Scale

Men and women around the U.S. spend a considerable amount of time and energy lamenting over what a scale says. Small movements of 3 to 4 pounds cause panic at times. More often than not this is the result of wanting "to look good" or "fitting into a certain pair of jeans." While important to maintain a healthy weight, this research supports the fact that a few extra pounds "won't kill you."

Look at weight from an economist standpoint. Having a few extra pounds may show up on a scale but is it apparent to anyone else? The answer is not likely. Weight can vary 2-4 pounds on a daily basis, simply dependent on clothing worn, water and food intake, and general time of day. Scales also have a degree of variability, perhaps being too high or too low at any given time.

Weight is simply what shows up on the scale, not necessarily a representation of how you feel. Lifting weights and regular exercise increases muscular mass and bone density, increasing overall weight on a scale but providing physical and health benefits at the same time. Too often the psychology of the number itself is detrimental. After reading an article that says someone that is 5 foot 4 should weigh 120 pounds, someone that is 128 may break out in a panic. This article does not take into consideration for muscular mass, general bone structure, or more important where the supposed extra 8 pounds is carried.

So many variables go into weight that living and dying by the scale is more counterproductive that good.

Not Stressing Out About Extra Weight

A few extra pounds is not going to kill you. That is what the research says but it is more important what you think.

Yes, being 100+ pounds overweight is still a very bad idea. We are talking about not stressing out about 10 pounds, but adding another "0" to that number brings about massive complications.

So, if you eat healthy, exercise on a fairly regular basis, and are still carrying a couple extra pounds according to the scale or an article read in a magazine.....don't stress out. It may be unwanted but at least now you know it isn't going to kill you.

Fitting Exercise into Your Schedule

Keith J Cronin — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:24:00 GMT

It is hard enough to exercise on a regular basis, let alone find the time in an often very busy schedule. Too often exercise gets bumped down to the bottom of the list of "things to do," and even when there is available time is still not terribly important. Though schedules are tight, it is important to squeeze in a regular pattern of exercise to ward off many of the problems that kill Americans.

Ignoring Exercise Causes Health Problems

Many articles and experts suggest a myriad of things negatively impacts health.

Smoking
Not Exercising
Overweight
Stress
Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Exercise addresses 3 out of the 5 of these problems, and the other two (smoking and alcohol consumption) are often compensatory mechanisms and habits developed from dealing with stress. Fit exercise into the schedule regularly and from an economist stand point you are really maximizing your value.

How Regular Exercise Helps

Whether it is working out at 6 in the morning, going for a late night walk or run, or perhaps finding 30 minutes at lunch to lift some weights, exercise needs to work with your schedule. This "scheduling" concept is important because if there is a not a goal or designated regular time to exercise.....it won't happen. Schedule are set for work, when to take kids to and from activities, and on a most basic level when to sleep.

The body and mind expect certain things to happen at certain times and exercise is no different. Exercise is not something to just "fit in when you can." Regular exercise helps control weight and decrease stress. High levels of stress increase the body's propensity to gain weight and gaining weight can often make people depressed, causing more stress......that increases weight!. Smoking and alcohol are temporary weighs to get a "buzz" to alleviate stress but over the long haul destroy the body.

Scheduling Exercise for Lasting Health

Many Americans spend thousands on smoking and alcohol each year to "manage" stressors, often turning into a deadly habit. Everything in life is more important that exercise, even when time is available too many just want "to relax on the couch" when they had been sitting for 10 hours at the office. Scheduling exercise is no different than scheduling your life.

Exercise has many positive affects, therefore, making time for it is important for you! If you are a person that is struggling to go from 5 miles to 7 miles of running in the morning.....this message is not for you. But, if you are a person who is gaining weight, feeling stressed out, and turning to everything else (food, smoking, alcohol, mindless TV) to relax perhaps making it a point to exercise regularly will help. Get moving!

Improving a Golf Swing

Keith J Cronin — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:26:00 GMT

One of the most important components of hitting a golf ball is a strong core and good mid back flexibility. Too often athletes are very tight in their mid back from overdeveloped latissimus dorsi. Maintain good mid back flexibility with a strong lower back and core is critical to swing faster, harder, and more accurately.

Improving Speed of Swing

The lower back was designed for more stability, as indicated by larger bony processes on the outside of the spine. The lower back is very good bending forward and backward, as well as side to side, but the amount of available rotation is limited. Too often, golfers will try to over rotate their lower back to generate more power but will sacrifice accuracy. Furthermore, the strain on the lower back musculature will inevitably wear out due to over rotation.

Looking at this as "economy of motion," improving mid back flexibility allows the shoulders to more freely rotate around the body, settling into a comfortable position without rotating the lower back significantly. Furthermore, with the mid back more rotated the body has more time to generate club head velocity before striking the ball.

Exercises to Improve Mid Back Flexibility

Take the club in both hands and rotate side to side.

IMPORTANT - Do not rotate the hips or move the lower body at all. Accomplish this by tightening the stomach muscles and focusing on rotating with your shoulder blades. Only rotate as far as your body will let you without moving your lower body. This will indicate your current level of mid back rotation with lower back / core control.

This motion, for a few minutes before hitting a golf ball, will improve your ability to maximally rotate the mid back while learning to control at the lower back. Many golfers fall in the habit of over rotating the lower back. This does not improve the mid back flexibility and encourages improper motion. The key to golf is consistency and playing within your bodily limits.

To improve mid back motion, work on it at the driving range. Once on the course, staying within your swing is key to consistent results and overall good play.

Training for a Marathon

Keith J Cronin — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 03:19:00 GMT

Preparing to run or walk a full/half marathon is becoming more popular. The goal of completing a 13.2 or 26.4 mile trek provides many people with the necessary motivation to get up and get active. While there are many recommendations for training, the following are three very simple ways to get started with training for a marathon.

Start Preparing for a Marathon in Advance

The earlier you can start, the better off you are when training for a marathon. Ideally if you are out of shape, starting 6-9 months ahead of time should provide a large enough training window for success. While looking at the calender, figure out reasonable how long you can train each week and if there are any major events that would prevent steady training. It is imperative to recognize obstacles and how to overcome them and pulling out the calender is a good start.

Determining Current Level of Fitness

Some people can immediately start running 5-6 miles a day, adding up to over 30 miles a week. These are usually people that are really in shape. Analyze your current level of fitness. Most important....be honest with yourself. This is not a time to delude yourself into believing that you "workout 7 days a week and are in peak fitness" when in really you "struggle to get off the couch." If you never run....start with walking. If you rarely walk...start with fast paced walking. Walk regularly....light jogging. The idea is to take a your current level of exercise comfort and bump it up a little.

10% Rule for Increasing Exercise

Only increase mileage about 10% a week (initially, 20-30% is fine in the first month were large gains are made with minimal effort). If you are walking 2 miles a day....bump it up to 2.5 miles the next week (again...this is initially). Once you are walking/jogging 6 miles at a time, slowly increase weekly and daily amounts. Also consider intensity of running, surfaces, and terrain. Training is not always apples to apples. A flat, cool 6 mile run may be exponentially harder than a 4 mile hilly course in the heat of the day. Slow and steady wins the race...so does it with training.

Personal Satisfaction from a Marathon

The most important aspect of completing a marathon is you do it. This is an opportunity to set a difficult goal, work towards achieving it, and then succeeding. This is more about a race, losing weight, looking good, or doing it with friends. It is about showing yourself that you can do it. Enjoy!

Top 5 Recommendations for Youth Sports

Keith J Cronin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:37:00 GMT

The following are 5 strong recommendations when it comes to youth sports.

1. This is Not the Pros - I recognize the importance of youth sports to athletes, parents, and coaches. Winning is fun and losing stinks. Playing well is great and having a bad day is horrible. That is equal to all sports. Treating youth sports everyday day, practice, game, and training session like it is the Olympics is bad for a 10 year old. Roughly 70% of children leave organized sports before high school. One of the most common things reported is "it feels like a job." Keep it fun.

2. Young Athletes are not Mini-Adults - Children have growth plates, developing tissue, and hormones raging all the time. The compilation of these things leaves young athletes vunerable to injuries and losing focus and fun with a sport. Pushing through the pain is not wise, as body parts and appreciation for the game are still developing. 5 hour practices and year round training are just fine for the collegiate level but not for 5th grade basketball.

3. Don't Freak Out About Injuries....Don't Ignore Them - Some parents have a tendency to "bubble wrap" children in sports. Others say that every ache and pain is just "part of the game." Find a happy middle ground. Bruises, strains, and sprains happen with sports. Of the 7 million + injuries in sports each year, 3.5 million are in the youth category. While many are the results of competition others are the consequence of ignoring every warning sign. A child the limps around, complains about having trouble sleeping, and has a constantly swollen knee is a major concern. Basically, don't over react to a little scratch or bruise but don't allow classic warning signs of problems to go un-treated.

4. Find Balance...Check the Calendar - Take a look at the calender. If there is not a weekday or weekend that does not have a sporting event to attend....You are doing too much! Balance is necessary to ensure lasting benefits of organized sports. Vacations, school activities, and social events create balance. Trading a family vacation to the beach for another hockey tournament is not a good idea. Find a good balance.

5. Don't Be Afraid to be a Parent - What does this mean? Simply this: I you feel as a parent that your child is hurt, not enjoying themselves, problems with the coach, etc. for goodness sake step in. This does not mean being overbearing at every game and practice but if you child is complaining of arm pain and the coach says "that is just part of it" for weeks on end, trust the instincts. If there is too much going on with sports and it is affecting the family life, put the foot down.

Focusing on the Future of Youth Sports

Keith J Cronin — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:30:00 GMT

At some point in any athlete's career, ranging from 8 years old to 80, injuries do occur. Sometimes it is simple as a sprain ankle, bruised shoulder, or perhaps worse like a severe muscle strain or broken bone. These things happen because sports are sports...sometimes people get hurt.

But when a young athlete, defined as anyone below the age of 18, gets hurt several factors combine all at once to determine a positive or negative outcome. For this example we will use a sore shoulder from throwing too much.

Now, the younger heal faster. There is no doubt about that. Growing bodies are fast to respond to problems and the situation is resolved quickly....if allowed to heal.

Fast healing in children is hastened by the "rush rush" attitude to get back to sports. Furthermore, this same "all the time" attitude of play means baseball players will have 100 games during the summer, pretty much hitting the ballfield with the same intensity and duration as the Major League.

So what is the problem? It is simple. Although injuries in young athletes occur frequently, they have a great opportunity to heal but often are not given the chance. Too often as parents and coaches we get focused on a 6th grade championship game like it was the Olympics. This is by no means to say the moment is not important but if a child is pitching every other game during that 100 game season and is complaining of really bad shoulder pain....is it worth it?

As a therapist, I see this all the time. Logic states slow down, let things heal, and maybe not play 24/7 everything and allow the body to heal. We growing bodies are left alone for a few weeks, sometimes only days at time, the healing process (which was very fast as I mentioned) takes place and then all the problems associated with the one injury (and probably others) go away. The speed at which this occurs is much faster than an adult.

At the end of the day, likely 75% to 80% of a child's future in sports is pure talent, that natural athletic size and ability that cannot be taught. Too many young athlete's with very high athletic aptitude are destroyed before they really have a chance to do something with those skills.

Too often we see a skilled athlete and the instinct to is push "harder and faster." Along the way, many athletes will fall out because it "feels like a job" or they will do so much damage to their growing bodies that by the time senior year in high school comes around, they are already injury magnets. The pure athletic machine is now broken....and likely will for life.

So in respects to young athletes in sports, I offer a very simple suggestion. If they are hurt, don't let them play. If there is no blank space on that calender, the athlete is doing way to much. Finally, let young athlete's develop at a pace that was designed by nature, not by the latest fad, trend, or pressure in sports. The system is in there for a reason, let it take its course.

Tip #2 - Interest Rates

Keith J Cronin — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:49:00 GMT

This video examines the affect of interest rates on loan repayment.

Tip #1 - Student Loans

Keith J Cronin — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:32:00 GMT

Information regarding how much money is needed for school and how it will impact the future.

Starting a Workout Routine

Keith J Cronin — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:33:00 GMT

I am sure at some point in your life you have said the following:

"I am going to workout and eat healthy. 5x a week at the gym and no more junk food."

It may have not gone exactly like that but something similar probably unfolded. From the exercise economist standpoint, this is pretty hard if you are starting from scratch. This is not like working 40 hours a week and then being bumped up to 45 hours. This is not working at all and then pulling 60+ hour weeks......really tough.

The best recommendation for anyone starting a new routine is think short term progress with the return on a long term investment. If you are working out to get buff for beach season, lose 20 pounds in a month, or fit into a dress 6 sizes smaller for a wedding in 7 weeks this commitment isn't going to help much.

Sheer passion can get someone to make it a couple of weeks eating healthy and exercising. This is no different then having a run at the craps table, hitting sevens and making it big. Eventually, like the casino, the passion (or luck in case of the casino) will run out. Short term gains are not the goal of a new routine.....the mind has to think long term success.

So what do you do? Start small. Try walking on a daily basis to starting. Finding the 30 minutes to plan for exercise develops a routine that then can be expanded to gyms, spin classes, aerobics, or whatever. If you are right now not committing any time to exercising it is highly unlikely you will flip a switch and spend 90 minutes a day. From an economy of time standpoint that is committing too much finite time resources immediately towards something else. Start a routine, have a plan, and success will unfold.

The overall message is if you struggle eat healthy and workout regularly committing the time a patience to developing a new routine is far more important that short term gains. Short term goals are great but they are simply a smaller portion of the bigger picture or long term success. There are many resources that will help you succeed but none are more important the YOU!

Best Way to Save Time in College: Stop Complaining About Not Having Any Time

Keith J Cronin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:36:00 GMT

During undergraduate and graduate school, there are many opportunities to get very stressed out. Tests, papers, quizzes, study material, projects, and the list goes on and on. Each class has its own requirements, some more work than others, and then some classes that match well with interest and aptitude just aren't so bad.

All that being said, a great deal of collegiate life is spent complaining how there is no time to get anything done. Stressed out young adults text, facebook, call friends up, or simply sit in a little circle telling one another, "I am so busy...I don't have time talk."

All awhile, each month college students spend tens or even over a hundred hours mindlessly surfing the internet, checking out YouTube clips and updating their facebook status hourly. Thousands of texts are also exchanged each month, not to mention anytime spent on the phone. Parties still happen, social life often really isn't a problem, and all awhile there is a sense that there is not enough time to get anything done.

SOME GREAT ADVICE: Stop complaining to everyone how you have no time and just get done what you need to!

Collegiate life is tough but so many hours are wasted on these "mind numbing" activities. The variety of multimedia devices and social media sites act as sore of a "brain drain." College students spend so much time updating their facebook status to "too busy to talk....got SO MUCH work to do," yet they will scan people's pictures for hours or look at everyone's favorites videos of the week.

So, if you are a person who is struggling to stay on task here is a good suggestion. Put down the phone, save facebook and YouTube for after all work is done, and for goodness sake STOP COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING NO TIME! Take all that energy and actual time spent complaining about not having any time and.......get your work done.

Problems with Public Education

Keith J Cronin — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 21:03:00 GMT

The governor of New Jersey is set to cut hundreds of millions in aid to public schooling. At the same time he supports capping the school tuition and fees increases at 4%. All this in response to a huge budget deficit.

In Georgia, state legislators are also looking to cut spending to public universities in the way of less administration and controlling teachers salaries.

In Illinois, the massive state budget deficit has sparked debate over a 1% income tax increase to prevent thousands of lay offs and continue current educational standards.

What has gone wrong?

Families spend more than cs their family income percentage today than was spend in the 1960s on education (13% to 27% according to one report). Interestingly enough, the costs for education (and healthcare) is going up, aid (in both cases) is going down, the market is demanding more educated and prepared students, graduate programs are expanding for more master's and doctorate programs, and students are accumulating massive debts.

What is wrong with this picture?

At the end of the day, a new generation of working class individuals with massive student loans have less money for purchasing homes, cars, and save for retirement. This same generation is entering a labor market with 10% unemployment where their high priced educations mean nothing compared to a person in the same field with 20 years of experience competing for the same job.

If you want to find out more about what is going on, check out my articles at www.suite101.com

I am going to talk about this topic A LOT because as a country we are slowly loosing the ability to educate and care for our own people.

This is a problem.....as a nation we need to become the solution.

Protecting Young Athletic Talent

Keith J Cronin — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:36:00 GMT

There is a drive in youth sports that "more is better." This attitude is particularly taken when there are one or two young athletes on a team that are very athletically gifted. Whether it is basketball, baseball, football, hockey.....it does not matter, coaches will put their best player in at all times to win.

In baseball, this usually invovles having a good pitcher throw every game, knowing that the next guy down isn't likely to shut down the competition. Basketball teams will have that one kid that someday "will make it" supporting coaches and parents to encourage that child to play evey minute of every game. Furthermore, a 10 year old that shows promise in the 400m free style will spend even more hours each week in the pool.

Often it does not stop here. If pitching every game for one team is good....then picking up another team or traveling with a select team will really ensure more exposure and athletic talent development. Basketball is good in the winter but there are also summer leagues and showcases around the country. Swimming 10 hours a week for one season turns into 25 hours a week 12 months a year.

This is the "proliferation" of youth sports that is getting kids hurt. Before there were no options for select leagues, travel teams, dozens of specialty camps, private trainers, directed strength and conditioning programs, or even year round play. If athletic talent is observed at a young age, that child is worked harder and harder to maximize their talent believing in the "more is better" concept.

In the end, likely 80% of a child's chances of making it to a collegiate or professional level is talent. Pure, athletic talent that cannot be instructed or gained through a speed training camp. Another 10 to 15% is likely what is between the ears, the mental toughness that comes with competition but also is developed through a balanced and parent supported life.

With that being said, overworking a young athlete to maximize potential potentially destroys 95% of what makes that child great at the sport. Treating a 10 year old baseball game like the Olympics everyday is physically and mentally exhausting. Young athletes are children. They are not yet adults and most certainly their skeletal systems are not prepared either.

It is very important to find balance in sports, still participating at competitive levels but not looking at a single stellar athlete as a machine to produce wins.

Exercising Throughout the Day...Not Just at the Gym

Keith J Cronin — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:33:00 GMT

There is a huge misconception that the only way to "exercise" effectively is to have a gym membership, use an elliptical for 30 minutes, and then maybe go through a line of machines that weave their way around glass and stretching mats. If you are an individual who enjoys this atmosphere.....GREAT!!! More power to you. Exercise likely comes very naturally and the time in the gym is more out of "leisure" than "necessity."

Economizing exercise is not necessary for the "gym-aholics" but for many people gathering enough motivation to get off the couch is tough. Sitting back at the end of the day to "relax" is a far better option that getting on the workout clothes. This struggle, year after year, ends often in obesity, bone and joint problems, diabetes, etc. If people are not up and moving they are likely sitting on a soft couch eating, watching the waist line expand and the back fall apart.

In respect to the "economy of exercise" getting the most bang for you buck is most important. Consider the following:

* Sweating it out on the elliptical burns more calories than walking for the same time period but walking around the block with the dog and family still burns calories, increases bone density, decrease levels of stress hormones, and is 30 less minutes in front of the television

* A $10,000 squat rack is wonderful for football players trying to improve their explosive power. The same motion benefits everyone as squatting is extremely functional throughout daily activities. Simply getting up and doing 10 squats a few times a day while sitting at work will improve back strength, decrease postural tension in the mid back and neck, increase circulation, and reduce risk of disc problems from sitting 40 hours a week at work......then another 40 in the car and couch.

*Buying a "shake weight" will get those arms nice and tone but honestly, how fast will that thing end up in the closet? Having some small weights around the house or simply stretching and putting the arms overhead can offer some muscular benefits and postural improvements that decrease pain in the neck and keep the upper body strong. Little arm weights don't hurt either and are relatively inexpensive and can be used anywhere in the house.....particularly in front of the television.

Looking at the "economy of exercise" is important to understand that doing a little has a lot of benefits.

Yes, to lose weight and look like "Hollywood" it is necessary to spend a considerable time in the gym, maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle, dieting, refraining from delicious desserts, etc. But right now, struggling to get off the couch to do anything is far away from this lifestyle.

Making small changes will make a big difference. Giving 20% of the effort may not lose a hundred pounds tomorrow but it will progress you towards having the courage and motivation to make it to 100%.

Movement to Reduce Sports Injuries

Keith J Cronin — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 11:37:00 GMT

There is a finally a solid national movement to support smart youth sports. Dr. Andrews and a bunch of other big names in sports and medicine have come together to enlighten the world about the growing epidemic of youth sports injuries.

http://stopsportsinjuries.org

This is not a cry for parents to wrap their children in bubble wrap and ask them to look both ways before crossing the baseball diamond. This movements to for parents, athletes, and coaches to recognize that the number of children showing up in doctor's offices, rehab, and the surgical table is growing.

More is not better....better is better!

The misconception that throwing 24/7 will produce a major leaguer is crazy. Research says its wrong, common sense supports that as well, and finally a whole movement with dozens of respected members of the national community saying "there is a better way."

Wrecking a child's "sports economy" for some short term gains is not the way to go. Only ends in depression......figurative and literal.

Changing the Baseball Culture

Keith J Cronin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:06:00 GMT

The number of injuries in youth sports have been increasing dramatically over the past decade. The number of travel teams, personal trainers, specialty coaches, etc. are so much more available that as a parent, not utilizing these services would seem an injustice to their child. As the concept of "more is better" progress, adolescent bodies break due to increased levels of physical stresses. In baseball, the professional season lasts 162 games over the course of several months. Even at ages younger than 10, baseball players are matching these numbers in a summer, playing as much as 10 games a week to maximize their talent.

Big question though......"What is the Culture Doing to the Athletes?" Something to consider.