The Fade of Summer = The Start of Fall Sports

So, if you are in the same mindset as me, you are slowly realizing that the summer is drawing to a close, especially if you are a high school or college athlete. Practices are about to kick off full-steam ahead, and there is no stopping it. Hopefully, if you are one of these athletes, you have been taking some steps this summer to prepare. Gone are the days of using football two-a-days to get IN shape: you better show up ALREADY in shape. If you don't, someone might just take your spot because the coaches will clearly see which athlete took the time to prepare and which athlete just took it for granted.

Here at Arkansas Sports Performance Center, we have had a great summer with an outstanding group of dedicated athletes who really worked hard this summer. We had a few teams & school groups training together, as well as several new & returning individual athletes. It was so fun to see the competition between current teammates & future opponents in here, all working toward the same goal: to be better than when they first walked in the door. I also enjoyed seeing different ages all getting individual attention....it was not uncommon to see a 10 year old football player next to a college basketball player in here, each getting the work that they require at their level, but then to see that older athlete build into & encourage the younger athlete. We are not just training for physical performance in here---we build confidence!

It was also exciting to see some returning athletes---namely NFL players Tank Daniels of the Philadelphia Eagles & Darren McFadden of the Oakland Raiders. Both returned to ASPC to build on what they had done with us before but also to get the extra steps needed to prepare for training camp. They always took the time to talk to the other athletes in here & sign autographs. Two great guys....

Allow me to put on my sports medicine/athletic trainer hat here for a second if you are an athlete about to start school. There are some things you need to be aware of.

1. HYDRATION: take the time to beat the heat! Drink extra water throughout the day, even when you are not practicing. Monitor your body weight to see if there is excessive weight loss after a hot & sweaty practice. Make sure your urine color is not too dark. Avoid or restrict your caffeine intake.

2. MRSA (staph infection): if you are going to be in & out of a locker room, weight room, or gym, take the time to wash your hands thoroughly. Don't share towels or wet clothing. ANY cut or wound--clean it & keep it covered. Use a cleaning agent like Hibiclens.

Seek out the advice of an athletic trainer or other healthcare professional for any issue. Don't let something minor turn into something major & derail your season. You have worked too hard this summer to let something preventable like MRSA or heat illness set you back.