Bay Street Hoops League Basketball – How You Can Safely Play Basketball Without Injury

Basketball is a celebrated sport that people from all ages and walks of life enjoy.  The roots of basketball hail from Canada and the small Ontario town of Almonte.  Here, in 1891, the game was invented by Dr. James Naismith.  Mere hours from Almonte, Toronto is filled with basketball lovers who are both die-hard Toronto Raptors fans and active basketball players. Basketball is a great way to stay healthy and in shape.  It’s also a wonderful way to enjoy leisure time, and even raise money to support Toronto communities. Bay Street Hoops League Basketball is a charity basketball tournament that does just that.

Through the Bay Street Hoops charity, lawyers, accountants and other financial service professionals participate in one of Toronto’s largest sports charities. In the past 15 years, The Bay Street Hoops Charity has raised over $2,000,000 for Toronto children and youth charities supporting Toronto communities.

Basketball is not only a competitive sport but also an excellent form of exercise and stress-release, as many executives who play basketball know. Because basketball is a fast-paced sport, it can present risks for minor and major sport injuries. It is important to be physically prepared before you play, and to exercise caution while on the court to reduce the likelihood of injury. 

Here are some basketball “Do’s” and “Don’ts” to help you play a safer game: 

•        There is a reason professional basketball players wear high-necked running shoes: they provide much needed ankle support. Ankle injuries are very common in basketball so this kind of footwear is a must.
•        Exercise will also condition your body to play basketball without injury. Core stability training, cardio training and a non-aerobic cardio program are all recommended.
•        Dynamic stretching that includes sport specific drills will stretch out muscles and is ideal both before and after you hit the basketball court.
•        Hydration is also very important as dehydration can have potentially dangerous outcomes. You’ll often see pros drinking plenty of fluids during the game, sipping on their bottles of water, Gatorade and Powerade.  
•        Static stretching prior to a game or practice is recommended 
•        Do not play through pain. If you begin experiencing pain at any point, stop playing right away because you may have an injury which will be further aggravated without immediate rest. If you already have a previous injury, resist temptation to resume playing basketball pre-maturely. Make sure a clinician has given you clearance for shooting hoops again.

Even the most seasoned basketball players get injured from time to time. Most basketball injuries can be treated through physical therapy and rehabilitation. If you think you may have injured yourself while playing basketball you may want to seek medical attention. Sports therapy clinics are medical facilities that treat people with sports injuries. While you may think that only professional athletes are treated by sports therapy clinics, this is certainly not the case. Many people who play basketball on a casual basis find relief and assistance through a sports therapy clinic. If you love to play sports like basketball, having a good sports therapy clinic in your back pocket is wise.  It can offer you advice about nutrition and other important factors that will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable athletic experience. And if and when you do suffer a sports injury, you have somewhere to turn to for help.

For more information about how you can enjoy playing basketball safely, or if you have a basketball injury needing attention, call Athletic Edge Sports Medicine at 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca 

North American Police Soccer Tournament – Common Soccer Injuries That You Want to Watch Out For

Police throughout North America deserve kudos for their commitment to keeping us safe.  While a myriad of events help make Toronto famous, it’s our police that oversee each of them and ensure we enjoy them safely.  Police are an essential part of the fabric of our community. 

For the past 32 years The North American Police Soccer Tournament has raised money for charities in need.  Each year The North American Police Soccer Tournament organizers select a truly needy charity for which they will raise funds. This year, Kidsport Ontario will be the beneficiary of The 2012 North American Police Soccer Tournament proceeds. Kidsport Ontario is a charity that provides financial assistance to kids across Ontario for registration fees and equipment.  Their mission is ensuring children can be active and engaged in sports even without the financial means to do so.  

This year’s Toronto North American Police Soccer Tournament is slated for September 5th – 7th.  Over 30 police agencies will be participating, and you can offer support by attending and cheering teams on!   Remember, the North American Police Soccer Tournament raises money for a very worthwhile cause. And it’s a lot of fun to watch, as many around the world know.

Soccer’s worldwide appeal is undeniable. Physical, financially affordable, strategic, fast-paced…what’s not to love? But any physical game presents risks for being injured, whether you’re a police officer in the North American Police Soccer Tournament or just a casual soccer player enjoying a game in the park.  It’s wise to be aware of common soccer injuries so that you can try to avoid them, identify them if one happens to you and know when and how to seek treatment.

Some of the most common soccer injuries or conditions plaguing soccer players include ankle sprains, tendonitis, concussions, pulled hamstrings, muscle cramps, blisters, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, stress fractures, strains and sprains, knee injuries like a torn ACL and torn knee cartilage and more. Sure seems like a long list, doesn’t it?! Recognizing that soccer is a very physical, quickly paced sport will help you understand why. Typically, common soccer injuries fall into one of two groups: cumulative or acute.

Common soccer injuries of a cumulative nature occur as the result of overuse of the joints, muscles and soft tissues repeatedly over time. What begins as a small re-occurring ache or pain can grow into a serious injury or condition if it is not treated.

Common soccer injuries that are acute happen from sudden impact or force. Acute injury pain can usually be felt immediately.

To avoid these kinds of common soccer injuries, basic measures can be taken: warm up before you play, use protective equipment, employ safe techniques for play, check the field before you play, play in proper  weather conditions, stay hydrated and stretch afterwards.  If you’re injured take time to rest and seek treatment for a full recovery before returning to the field.

Common soccer injuries can often be treated through physical therapy and rehabilitation, which is covered under most health plans.

For more information about treating common soccer injuries that are both painful and annoying, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine at 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca

Lew Dunn Memorial Golf Classic – How to Choose the Best Golf Shoes

Calling all golfers! This August, The Toronto General and Western Foundation and the Lew Dunn Foundation will be bringing you the 13th annual Lew Dunn Memorial Golf Classic!

In 13 years this charity has raised millions of dollars, enabling The University Health Network and the University of Toronto to provide student scholarships for those studying to become Colorectal and Oncologic surgeons. The Lew Dunn Scholarship promotes education and research that enhances care for patients with colon cancer, raises awareness of the disease, and develops better treatments. This charity isn’t just making a difference to Canada but also worldwide.

This year, the Lew Dunn Memorial Golf Classic will be held on August 20th, and the Toronto General and Western Foundation website has all the essential information you need.

When participating in a golf tournament, well made and great fitting golf shoes are paramount. When you consider that the average golfer walks about 4-5 miles during a round, spending several hours on his or her feet, it’s little wonder that golf shoes not only contribute to the success of your game but the comfort (and survival) of it as well! An ill-fitting pair of golf shoes can affect your swing and stability, not to mention that many golf courses make proper golf shoes mandatory.  The wrong shoes can set you back in a number of ways. The best golf shoes are those you don’t even think about while wearing. They also help your swing by keeping you well-grounded with a solid grip on the tees, fairways and greens. Here are our top 3 tips when it comes to choosing the best golf shoes for your feet.

How to Choose the Best Golf Shoes – Tip 1: Sizing: The fit of the golf shoe is obviously important. Before choosing the size of shoe, measure both your feet. If one foot is larger than the other, choose your size based on the larger foot. Make sure you try on new shoes wearing socks you’ll be golfing in, and leave a half an inch of space between the end of the shoe and your big toe.  Golf shoes should fit tighter in the middle of the foot than regular shoes, since it’s the middle of the foot providing the most support during your golf swing.

How to Choose the Best Golf Shoes – Tip 2: Weather-wise: Weather is an important factor. Invest in golf shoes that are waterproof and offer your feet good ventilation.

How to Choose the Best Golf Shoes – Tip 3: Lighten-the-load: The weight of your golf shoes will make a huge difference. A lighter golf shoe with softer spikes will reduce stress on your legs and feet when you walk and swing, making for a better overall golf experience.

Choosing the best golf shoes for your feet will help to reduce injuries, but not necessarily prevent them. It is important to remember that there are other golf injuries that are common to golfers.  These include too much strain on the back which can lead to lower back pain, herniated disks and muscle spasms. If you have pain in your body that you think is the result of a golf injury, consider consulting a sports therapy clinic for treatment options. Assistance for a golf injury soon after it emerges is your best shot at returning to normal and continuing to play the game you love.
If you have an injury or condition that is affecting your ability to golf, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine or visit www.aesm.ca 

The Beaches Tune Up Jazz Run - Tips for Running a Marathon

Runners start your engines:  The Annual Beaches Tune Up Jazz Run offers something for everyone and it’s just around the corner!

The mandate of The Canadian Running Series Foundation is to promote healthy lifestyles through running, especially for youth. The Canadian Running Series Foundation does its good work through athletic events like The Beaches Tune Up Jazz Run as well as other smaller charities promoting excellence for Canadian Runners.

This year The Canadian Running Series presents The Beaches Tune Up Jazz Run which includes a 5km walk or run; a 10 km run and a staggering 20km run.  Starting at The Beaches Kew Gardens, The Sunday July 29th 2012 Beaches Tune Up Jazz Run is a pleasure for all participants, from casual walker to hard-core runner.

After a long winter of hitting the treadmill instead of focusing on marathon mileage, here are some tips that will help you make the most of your day at The Beaches Tune Up Jazz Run:

•         Tips for running a marathon – 1: Dress for the weather.  Check the forecast the morning of your event and dress appropriately. High or low temperatures, excessive humidity, and wind can all take a toll on your body. Also, make sure you test-drive the sneakers, socks, and clothes you plan on racing in before the race itself. If they bother you in any way, dump them and opt for others.  Small problems identified in a test run will only be intensified problems during the race. It’s important to take steps to alleviate all discomfort before your big day.

•         Tips for running a marathon – 2: Drink lots of water - well in advance.  Leaving hydration until the morning-of is leaving it too late. You should make a conscious effort to drink lots of water at least 48 hours before the start of your marathon, and drink it before you get thirsty. By the time you start feeling thirsty, your body may already be experiencing stress.

•         Tips for running a marathon – 3: Don’t get ahead of yourself. During the first mile of the race, don’t waste a lot of energy darting and weaving through the masses if you’ve been placed with people who are running slower than you. It is important to gradually build your momentum.  Remember: if you are embarking on a 10 or 20 km run, you have a long way to go. Burning out early will leave you in weak shape for the last half of your journey, and you’ll want to finish strong.

•         Tips for running a marathon – 4: Be prepared. Prior to the race, drive or bike along the course so that you can get a sense of the landscape, the large hills, the declines, the wide areas where breakaways will be easiest - all of these require different kinds of discipline and strategy.  Having it all mapped out in your mind will do wonders for your pacing and mental preparedness.

•         Tips for running a marathon – 5: Conditioning is key! In the weeks leading up to the race, walk or run regularly.  If you’re training for a long distance run, plan for some practice runs before the event, trying to incorporate hills, declines and the types of diversity your marathon route will present.  An ideal cross training schedule will also mix some cycling with core workouts and weights.

•        Tips for running a marathon – 6: On race-day, wake up well before your start time so you can power back a big breakfast. With ample time to digest, your reserves will be stocked with energy well before the starting gun goes off.

After running your marathon, pay attention to aches or pains that last more than a day or two. Also note any concentrated pain in a particular area, as this could be a sign that you have a sports injury. Whether you are injured or not, if you are serious about running, engage in a relationship with a sports therapy clinic that can help you achieve two things: ensure prime physical condition for your casual running and races as well as supporting you through a sports injury so you don’t develop something chronic that prevents you from running entirely.

For more tips on running a marathon, or if you have suffered a sports injury, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine at 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca