Sunday, November 6, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Helmet Safety
MSF provides ongoing information about ways to keep our athletes safe and reduce the likelihood of injuries. As part of this effort, we provide the latest information on brain injury and helmet safety.
The following study, while specific to football helmets, points out that helmet technology may not be at the level we think it is and snow athletes need to be mindful of how they ski and ride.
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Modern football helmets are no more effective in protecting high school and college players from injury than the leather helmets used nearly 100 years ago, according to a new study by the Cleveland Clinic.
Researchers conducted impact tests on the latest, high-tech helmets and low-tech old ones that mimicked the hits young players routinely suffer on the field and that lead to thousands of concussions each year.
"What we tested were common, everyday hits," said lead researcher Adam Bartsch. "We didn't test the really severe NFL kill shots."
The researchers discovered that for most impacts and angles, today's polycarbonate helmets are no better at reducing injury than the "leatherheads" of old. And in some cases, the old helmets offered slightly better protection.
Bartsch called the results "really surprising." He said they raised serious questions about the effectiveness of a helmet with a hard outer shell and a fairly stiff interior padding in protecting players from the low- and medium-impact hits that, over time, could lead to head, neck and brain injuries.
The Cleveland Clinic researchers say they are not advocating a return to leather helmets. But they hope the study will prompt helmet manufacturers to re-examine design, especially of youth helmets.
Bartsch said that while those youth helmets, which are essentially scaled down-versions of pro helmets, appear to have been optimized for the high-impact hits common in the National Football League, they are not optimized for the less dramatic -- but still traumatic -- hits that occur thousands of times a day during amateur play.
The results were published online on Friday in the Journal of Neurosurgery.
Last month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control said emergency room visits by children and adolescents for brain injuries jumped 60 percent between 2001 and 2009.
Football was one of the sports the CDC said was most likely to lead to brain injuries.
(Reporting by James B. Kelleher)
The following study, while specific to football helmets, points out that helmet technology may not be at the level we think it is and snow athletes need to be mindful of how they ski and ride.
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Modern football helmets are no more effective in protecting high school and college players from injury than the leather helmets used nearly 100 years ago, according to a new study by the Cleveland Clinic.
Researchers conducted impact tests on the latest, high-tech helmets and low-tech old ones that mimicked the hits young players routinely suffer on the field and that lead to thousands of concussions each year.
"What we tested were common, everyday hits," said lead researcher Adam Bartsch. "We didn't test the really severe NFL kill shots."
The researchers discovered that for most impacts and angles, today's polycarbonate helmets are no better at reducing injury than the "leatherheads" of old. And in some cases, the old helmets offered slightly better protection.
Bartsch called the results "really surprising." He said they raised serious questions about the effectiveness of a helmet with a hard outer shell and a fairly stiff interior padding in protecting players from the low- and medium-impact hits that, over time, could lead to head, neck and brain injuries.
The Cleveland Clinic researchers say they are not advocating a return to leather helmets. But they hope the study will prompt helmet manufacturers to re-examine design, especially of youth helmets.
Bartsch said that while those youth helmets, which are essentially scaled down-versions of pro helmets, appear to have been optimized for the high-impact hits common in the National Football League, they are not optimized for the less dramatic -- but still traumatic -- hits that occur thousands of times a day during amateur play.
The results were published online on Friday in the Journal of Neurosurgery.
Last month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control said emergency room visits by children and adolescents for brain injuries jumped 60 percent between 2001 and 2009.
Football was one of the sports the CDC said was most likely to lead to brain injuries.
(Reporting by James B. Kelleher)
Friday, November 4, 2011
One Way to Reduce Costs for Kids Training
As the MSF board evaluates applications for weekend/target term training scholarships, we'd like to point out one way families can help with costs. Okemo mountain provides a number of volunteer positions, which provide free season passes for your self and family members, as well as discounts on training programs, food and even equipment. If your child is a serious athlete, this is an opportunity you don't want to over look. For more information about volunteer positions, check out the Okemo website.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
MSF ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR WEEKEND STUDENTS
The mission of the McCostis Scholarship Fund (MSF), a project of the Ludlow Teen Center, is “To assist Okemo Valley youth in their pursuit of excellence through skiing and snowboard training.” Founded in memory of Sue and Dick McCostis, ski instructors at Okemo Mountain, four memorial scholarships have been added to MSF, starting in 2007. These include: Pete Noyes Ski Scholarship; Kevin Stillwell Snowboarding Scholarship; George Shaw Ski Scholarship and Than Durgin Snowboarding Scholarship.
The McCostis Scholarship Fund is now accepting applications for those interested in attending a weekend program or target terms for the winter 2012-13. Scholarships are awarded by the following criteria:
• A resident of Ludlow, Cavendish, Proctorsville, Chester, Perkinsville, Springfield, Mt. Holly or Plymouth VT.
• Enrolled in grades 5th-12th and in good academic standing
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to skiing (including freestyle) or snowboarding
• Parents or guardians are in need of financial support and are supportive of their child’s pursuit of training
Applications can be downloaded from the MSF blog or by calling Tara Liechensteiger 802-228-7280 or lance@tds.net
All applications must be submitted by Nov. 1, 2012.
To learn more about the Fund, apply for a scholarship, or to assist us in our efforts, please contact Tara Liechensteiger 802-228-7280 or lance@tds.net
The McCostis Scholarship Fund is now accepting applications for those interested in attending a weekend program or target terms for the winter 2012-13. Scholarships are awarded by the following criteria:
• A resident of Ludlow, Cavendish, Proctorsville, Chester, Perkinsville, Springfield, Mt. Holly or Plymouth VT.
• Enrolled in grades 5th-12th and in good academic standing
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to skiing (including freestyle) or snowboarding
• Parents or guardians are in need of financial support and are supportive of their child’s pursuit of training
Applications can be downloaded from the MSF blog or by calling Tara Liechensteiger 802-228-7280 or lance@tds.net
All applications must be submitted by Nov. 1, 2012.
To learn more about the Fund, apply for a scholarship, or to assist us in our efforts, please contact Tara Liechensteiger 802-228-7280 or lance@tds.net
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Learn CPR and Thanks to Friends of Matt Fortuna
Matt Fortuna is a snowboarder and coach at Okemo Mountain. Recently he had a major health crisis, which his family has written about in the Aug. 24 edition of The Vermont Journal.
On July 5, 2011 we received the call that no parent ever expects to get. My son zack (23) called to tell us that his older brother Matt (26), had collapsed and was in cardiac arrest, we needed to get there fast. At the time Matt and zack were both in Block Island, Rhode Island and we did not know what hospital he would be airlifted to. We just knew it was south from Vermont, so we just got on the road and started driving. It is that moment that you hear about when time in the world stops for you. It really does happen that way. We made a few quick phone calls to our son Ryan and his wife Gretchen to come to our house and wait with our youngest son Cody. We were out of the house in less than an hour and on our way to be with our sons. We knew we would be out of phone contact for about an hour, so we told zack to make good decisions for his brother’s medical care. Bob and I are both on Ludlow Ambulance Squad and know all too well that the decisions made early are critical to possible recover. We had faith in zack and his ability to do the right thing for Matt. Then we started the long drive to Rhode Island.
Here is the story:
Matt had gotten up and worked all day as a stonemason. Nothing unusual there, he did it every day. It was a super hot day and finished up work about 5 pm. After work he went to the skate park with 2 friends, but it was just too hot to even do that, so they just stayed at the park talking. Then he suddenly collapsed. No warning, his heart just stopped. The two friends he was with at the park, reacted quickly activated the EMS System and started CPR immediately. After 20 minutes of care on scene and 2 shocks to the heart the ambulance crew got a rhythm and brought him back. He and zack were airlifted to Rhode Island Hospital. When we arrived, Matt was on a respirator and zack had signed for him to be put in the therapeutic hypothermia. Later we would discover that this coma would be part of the reason why he survived. After several days in a coma and lots of tests they tried to wake him up. To our grateful astonishment he was able to speak and recognize people. It took several more days and many more test and procedures before we knew if there was any permanent damage and miraculously there was not. Except for some short-term memory issues, some of which would improve over time, he was ok. After weeks of test, doctors from 3 hospitals called in to consult, there was still no cause determined for the event. All the doctors did agree on what had to happen next, Matt had to have an Internal Cardiac Defibrillator put in. The Doctors told us it may never happen again or it could happen in the parking lot as you are leaving the hospital. We just don’t know. This device is the safety net he now has for life. The Doctors assure Matt that he can lead a very normal life with some modifications due to the ICD. They tell us that in time he will be able to go back to doing the things he loves, being a snowboard coach at Okemo and landscaping on Block Island.
Matt is now at home where he will be spending the next several months recovering. He is spending time with his family and friends and of course, his dog Jade. Like so many people his age, Matt did not have health insurance. The medical bills and paperwork are something we will be dealing with for years. This event is something no family is ever prepared for. I cannot imagine how we would have dealt with all of this without the family, friends, and support from everyone in our community.
We are constantly asked by people, “What can we do to help.” Our answer is simple. Learn CPR. Our son is alive because 2 skate park friends got CPR going in less than a minute. If Matt had not gotten CPR so quickly, he may not have survived until the ambulance arrived and likely would have had permanent brain damage. The Fortuna Family is now on a mission of education. The goal is to teach CPR to our community. We are working with volunteer instructors from Ludlow Ambulance and our hope is to teach as many people as we can CPR. We have more than 50 people signed up for our first classes. CPR only takes a couple of hours to learn and it could save a life.
On Friday August 12, “Friends of Matt Fortuna” hosted a benefit at “The Outback” in Ludlow. We were blown away by the outpouring of support. The estimate was that more than 350 people were in attendance at the event. Outback owner Casey Crompton was very generous in his contributions and the use of the Outback, but also helped with the organization of the event. There are 2 other very special people to thank. Event organizers Cara White and Casey Hodge, these 2 very good friends of Matt’s really are the driving force behind this event. Without this group of people and their army of helpers, this event would not have happened. We very much appreciate your support for our son Matt. We are blessed to have lots of family and many friends here we have known for years. The most amazing part was that some of the people who contributed to Matt’s fundraiser did not even know our family. This benefit shows the generosity of spirit and the love and support of the people of Ludlow. When you live in a small town it is true that everyone knows your name and business. It is also true that when a local family is in crisis, Ludlow and her residents come together to support one of their own.
To the people of Ludlow, we thank you. Your generosity and support has touched our hearts and we will be forever grateful.
Bob and Terry
Ryan, Gretchen, zack and Cody Fortuna
Roy and Barbara Spaulding-grandparents
Ludlow Ambulance Service is the contact for all CPR classes-email ludlowambulance@gmail.com
Contributions to support Matt can be sent to Val Record, PO Box 635, Chester, VT 05143
On July 5, 2011 we received the call that no parent ever expects to get. My son zack (23) called to tell us that his older brother Matt (26), had collapsed and was in cardiac arrest, we needed to get there fast. At the time Matt and zack were both in Block Island, Rhode Island and we did not know what hospital he would be airlifted to. We just knew it was south from Vermont, so we just got on the road and started driving. It is that moment that you hear about when time in the world stops for you. It really does happen that way. We made a few quick phone calls to our son Ryan and his wife Gretchen to come to our house and wait with our youngest son Cody. We were out of the house in less than an hour and on our way to be with our sons. We knew we would be out of phone contact for about an hour, so we told zack to make good decisions for his brother’s medical care. Bob and I are both on Ludlow Ambulance Squad and know all too well that the decisions made early are critical to possible recover. We had faith in zack and his ability to do the right thing for Matt. Then we started the long drive to Rhode Island.
Here is the story:
Matt had gotten up and worked all day as a stonemason. Nothing unusual there, he did it every day. It was a super hot day and finished up work about 5 pm. After work he went to the skate park with 2 friends, but it was just too hot to even do that, so they just stayed at the park talking. Then he suddenly collapsed. No warning, his heart just stopped. The two friends he was with at the park, reacted quickly activated the EMS System and started CPR immediately. After 20 minutes of care on scene and 2 shocks to the heart the ambulance crew got a rhythm and brought him back. He and zack were airlifted to Rhode Island Hospital. When we arrived, Matt was on a respirator and zack had signed for him to be put in the therapeutic hypothermia. Later we would discover that this coma would be part of the reason why he survived. After several days in a coma and lots of tests they tried to wake him up. To our grateful astonishment he was able to speak and recognize people. It took several more days and many more test and procedures before we knew if there was any permanent damage and miraculously there was not. Except for some short-term memory issues, some of which would improve over time, he was ok. After weeks of test, doctors from 3 hospitals called in to consult, there was still no cause determined for the event. All the doctors did agree on what had to happen next, Matt had to have an Internal Cardiac Defibrillator put in. The Doctors told us it may never happen again or it could happen in the parking lot as you are leaving the hospital. We just don’t know. This device is the safety net he now has for life. The Doctors assure Matt that he can lead a very normal life with some modifications due to the ICD. They tell us that in time he will be able to go back to doing the things he loves, being a snowboard coach at Okemo and landscaping on Block Island.
Matt is now at home where he will be spending the next several months recovering. He is spending time with his family and friends and of course, his dog Jade. Like so many people his age, Matt did not have health insurance. The medical bills and paperwork are something we will be dealing with for years. This event is something no family is ever prepared for. I cannot imagine how we would have dealt with all of this without the family, friends, and support from everyone in our community.
We are constantly asked by people, “What can we do to help.” Our answer is simple. Learn CPR. Our son is alive because 2 skate park friends got CPR going in less than a minute. If Matt had not gotten CPR so quickly, he may not have survived until the ambulance arrived and likely would have had permanent brain damage. The Fortuna Family is now on a mission of education. The goal is to teach CPR to our community. We are working with volunteer instructors from Ludlow Ambulance and our hope is to teach as many people as we can CPR. We have more than 50 people signed up for our first classes. CPR only takes a couple of hours to learn and it could save a life.
On Friday August 12, “Friends of Matt Fortuna” hosted a benefit at “The Outback” in Ludlow. We were blown away by the outpouring of support. The estimate was that more than 350 people were in attendance at the event. Outback owner Casey Crompton was very generous in his contributions and the use of the Outback, but also helped with the organization of the event. There are 2 other very special people to thank. Event organizers Cara White and Casey Hodge, these 2 very good friends of Matt’s really are the driving force behind this event. Without this group of people and their army of helpers, this event would not have happened. We very much appreciate your support for our son Matt. We are blessed to have lots of family and many friends here we have known for years. The most amazing part was that some of the people who contributed to Matt’s fundraiser did not even know our family. This benefit shows the generosity of spirit and the love and support of the people of Ludlow. When you live in a small town it is true that everyone knows your name and business. It is also true that when a local family is in crisis, Ludlow and her residents come together to support one of their own.
To the people of Ludlow, we thank you. Your generosity and support has touched our hearts and we will be forever grateful.
Bob and Terry
Ryan, Gretchen, zack and Cody Fortuna
Roy and Barbara Spaulding-grandparents
Ludlow Ambulance Service is the contact for all CPR classes-email ludlowambulance@gmail.com
Contributions to support Matt can be sent to Val Record, PO Box 635, Chester, VT 05143
Monday, July 18, 2011
New Research Shows that Concussion can Lead to Dementia
This information is being posted to remind our skiers and snowboarders that brain injury is a risk in snow sports. However, this risk can be reduced by following some precautionary measures, such as wearing a helmet, following the rules of the mountain and being proactive in the event of an injury. For more information on this topic, go to Snow Safety: Protect Your Head.
Two new studies, one in veterans and the other in pro-football players, find that brain injury, be it a minor concussion or a very serious brain injury can lead to dementia. With each concussion, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia later in life increases. The studies, reported Monday at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in France, challenge the current view that only moderate or severe brain injuries predispose people to dementia.
Don't panic – this doesn't mean that every soldier or student athlete who has had a concussion is in danger. Pro-football players and boxers "are almost a different species from us" in terms of the repeated blows they take to the head, said William Thies, the Alzheimer's Association's scientific director. It does mean you should try to avoid one, by fall-proofing your home and wearing helmets and seat belts, he said. About 1.7 million brain injuries occur each year in the U.S.
"What the people who have had a head injury and read this should do is to exercise and eat right and take their medicines and take their aspirin and do meditation to reduce stress – reduce risk factors that are modifiable," he said. The new study is "a great start," but limitations in its methods mean that it can't prove a brain injury-dementia link, he said. More definitive studies are starting now but will take many years to give results.
To read more about these studies, go to http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/18/brain-injury-dementia-risk_n_901512.html
Two new studies, one in veterans and the other in pro-football players, find that brain injury, be it a minor concussion or a very serious brain injury can lead to dementia. With each concussion, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia later in life increases. The studies, reported Monday at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in France, challenge the current view that only moderate or severe brain injuries predispose people to dementia.
Don't panic – this doesn't mean that every soldier or student athlete who has had a concussion is in danger. Pro-football players and boxers "are almost a different species from us" in terms of the repeated blows they take to the head, said William Thies, the Alzheimer's Association's scientific director. It does mean you should try to avoid one, by fall-proofing your home and wearing helmets and seat belts, he said. About 1.7 million brain injuries occur each year in the U.S.
"What the people who have had a head injury and read this should do is to exercise and eat right and take their medicines and take their aspirin and do meditation to reduce stress – reduce risk factors that are modifiable," he said. The new study is "a great start," but limitations in its methods mean that it can't prove a brain injury-dementia link, he said. More definitive studies are starting now but will take many years to give results.
To read more about these studies, go to http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/18/brain-injury-dementia-risk_n_901512.html
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Applications due for Students Attending Snow Academies
For students wishing to attend a snow academy, e.g. Okemo Mountain School, for five months or longer, applications are due June 30. Please download forms and mail accordingly.
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