Inside Out
Student enduring health issues due to sporting activities
Kristen Ferrara
Last week my doctor told me that my intestines are falling out of body. Cool. After being assured this injury is not life threatening and discussing possible procedures, I posed the question my whole family had been wondering: why did I, a sixteen year old girl, have a hernia? The doctor and I traced the injury back to this past soccer season. During this period of time, I thought I pulled my hip-flexor muscle and was frequently benched due to the pain. In actuality, I tore my muscle and did not rest enough for the tissue to repair itself. As a result, my guts are pouring out of the gash left in my muscle wall. In wake of my misfortune, I am more interested in knowing the injuries others receive in relation to athletics and in becoming conscious of preventative measures.
Cross country season is in full swing, and it is extremely important for runners to be mindful of their health. Cristian Medina can vouch for this statement. When running a difficult hill workout, Medina was nearly rendered unconscious due to “heat exhaustion and dehydration.” The experience left him “scared because I didn’t know if I was going to stop breathing right there on the spot.” Who wouldn’t feel this way? Medina claims, “I should have drank more water and stopped when the coaches told me, to prevent myself from pushing my body over its limits.” Knowing this at the time could have prevented the severity of the situation.
Last soccer season, goalkeeper Esmeralda Ramos received a concussion during a game. Ramos “went to the ball and a girl from the other team ended up kicking my head.” This injury, which resulted in “headaches, dizziness, and throwing up,” put her out for 5 to 6 weeks. When asked what she would have done differently in this situation, Ramos replied that she would have better judged her surroundings. Fortunately, she was attentive to her body and left the game immediately. The concussion could have been fatal if Ramos did otherwise.
What measures can athletes take to prevent injuries such as these? First, they can warm up properly. Some sports require more dynamic stretching than others. One should consider the rigor of his sport when determining the extent of his pre-workout. Without a warmup, there is an increased chance of soreness and injury. Second, athletes must use any protective gear deemed necessary. For soccer players, that means shin guards. For baseball and softball players, that means a helmet. For any sport in general, that means appropriate shoes.Third, a proper cool down is necessary. This prevents dizziness and promotes flexibility, which in turn prevents injury. Finally, competitors must listen to their bodies. If one becomes sore, he should ice the affected area. If one feels he is going to pass out, he should inform a coach. It is great to work hard, but not when it puts athletes in harm’s way. If students, including myself, apply these standards, injuries will undoubtedly be averted.
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