Study Shows Simple Measures May Help Prevent Sudden Death Event in Young Athletes

Study Shows Simple Measures May Help Prevent Sudden Death Event in Young Athletes

A blunt, non-penetrating hit to the chest from a baseball or hockey puck at just the right time could cause sudden death in an athlete. The condition, commotio cordis and its prevention were investigated in the March/April issue of Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Rosemont, IL (Vocus) February 24, 2009 -- A blunt, non-penetrating hit to the chest from a baseball or hockey puck at just the right time could cause sudden death in an athlete. The condition, commotio cordis and its prevention were investigated in the March/April issue of Sports Health (www.sportshealthjournal.org): A Multidisciplinary Approach

According to the study, more than 190 cases of commotio cordis (www.sportshealthjournal.org) have been reported in the United States with 47% occurring during athletic participation. Twenty percent of reported sudden-death cases in young athletes are attributed to commotio cordis, second only to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or thickened heart muscles. This number may be considerably higher due to lack of recognition and underreporting.

The authors' research suggests that young males, ages 4 to 18, appear to be at the greatest risk. This might be attributable to an increase in the flexibility of their chest wall, although more research still needs to be conducted to confirm this conclusion.

"Twenty-five percent of the reported cases were in youth baseball where pitches averaged 30-50 mph upon time of impact with an individual's chest. Our research illustrates that the harder the projectile and the straighter the path to the chest, the greater the chance for commotio cordis to occur," said lead author, Mark S. Link, MD of Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA.

The increased use of chest protectors and soft, age appropriate "safety" baseballs are now recommended in youth baseball leagues by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Division to reduce commotio cordis risk and other injuries. "The best preventative measures may be changes in the rules, i.e. eliminating blocking shots with the chest in lacrosse and hockey players and coaching players to protect their chests," said Link. "Increased awareness of commotio cordis is also imperative, especially in those that may be first responders such as parents, coaches, game officials and medical personnel. In addition, with the increased use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) at athletic events, commotio cordis survival rates will improve."

Published bimonthly, Sports Health is a collaborative publication from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (www.sportshealthjournal.org) (AOSSM), the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM), the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), and the Sports Physical Therapy Section (SPTS). Other organizations participating in the publication include the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine (AOASM). For more information on the publication or to submit a manuscript, visit www.sportshealthjournal.org

For additional questions, please contact Lisa Weisenberger, AOSSM Director of Communications at 847-292-4900 or send an e-mail to lisa @ aossm.org

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Contact Information Lisa Weisenberger

AOSSM Director of Communications

http://www.sportshealthjournal.org

847-292-4900

The Nike+ iPod Sensor Can Be Used by Any Runner with the New Bean Pod.*

The Nike+ iPod Sensor Can Be Used by Any Runner with the New Bean Pod.*

Runners and joggers can track pace, time, distance, and more with Nike+ iPod technology, even when they aren't wearing Nike shoes. The Bean Pod by Red Rock Products, Inc will adapt the Nike+ iPod technology to whatever shoe the user is wearing.

Orange, CA (PRWEB) February 24, 2009 -- Red Rock Products, Inc. has released their Universal Nike+ Sensor adapter, called "the BEAN POD."

The compact Bean Pod allows runners & walkers the ability to use their Nike+ sensor on any non Nike+ brand of running shoes.

A few years ago the wildly popular Apple iPod teamed up with Nike to offer a system that allows iPod users the ability to receive audio feedback on their running. The system gives the runner their pace, time, distance and calories burned, with various celebrities offering positive commentary. The problem has been for many that this system only works with selected Nike+ shoes, leaving iPod users that did not own Nike+ shoes eating their dust.

The American cry of freedom rings true once again with the Bean Pod (http://www.bestinsoles.com/Bean-Pod-2-Pack-Universal-Nike-iPod-Sensor-Holder_p_955.html). The Bean Pod allows anyone to use the IPod / Nike+ system on other makes of running shoes; this includes many Nike shoes that do not have the "sensor option."

The Bean Pod fills a real need as the numbers of people that enjoy running with an iPod far outnumber the people that have the Nike+ version on the shoes.

The Bean Pod is designed by a runner for runners. Inventor and patent holder, Tom Amon, often asks himself, "Isn't there a better way to do this," and it was that question that led him to develop a handmade adapter to use on his non Nike shoes. After making several for his wife and other running buddies, he realized that there was a large market for likeminded iPod runners. Tom strongly feels that, "Everyone should have access to the Nike+ iPod Sensor technology so that they can make the most of their exercise."

The Bean Pod's simple design allows users to simply lace the Bean Pod into their shoelaces and then insert the (Bean Shaped) Nike sensor into a back pocket. The sensor is then held securely in place allowing a clear signal the iPod receiver.

About Red Rock Products, Inc:

Red Rock Products, Inc is dedicated to providing athletes and running enthusiasts with products that promote fitness and foot health. From insoles, to blister and wound care, to sports accessories like the Bean Pod, we the one source for foot care. We encourage people to be active, stay healthy, and keep their feet feeling as great as they do with products from Red Rock.

It's important for runners and joggers to have healthy feet. Sports Insoles (www.bestinsoles.com) can provide the cushioning and support necessary for comfortable exercise.

The Bean Pod is available to consumers at www.FitnessToys.com.

For a FREE SAMPLE, Qualified Press can contact:

Leah Selway - Dir. Business Development

Phone: (Toll Free) 888-4-Red Rock | 888-473-3762

Red Rock Products, Inc.

2430 N. Glassell St, Suite D

Orange, California 92865

www.RedRockProductsInc.com

Digital Images for Print: www.FitnessToys.com/BeanPod

*IPod is a trademark of Apple, Inc. Nike is a trademark of Nike, Inc. and its affiliated companies.

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Contact Information Tom Amon

Red Rock Products, Inc

http://www.fitnesstoys.com

888-473-3762