When it comes to activities, today’s society often focuses on athletes, their heath and protecting their bodies from injury. Learning how to treat even the smallest injuries can determine whether students or athletes stay healthy during competition.

“It depends on the severity of the injury,” Jon Hall, varsity football head coach, said. “If the injury requires surgery, I always advise my players to do the surgery and sit out for as long as it takes to heal. There is no point in rushing to return and possibly hampering themselves for life. However, ultimately the decision is up to the players and their parents.”

Maintaining a healthy diet is a big issue for athletes, especially before a game.

“I try to eat healthy food as much as possible,” Ross Charest, ’05, said. “ Its really difficult when my friends eat junk food. I sometimes am tempted to eat the candy bar or drink a soda but I know its not good for me or for my injuries.”

Getting injured is a scary thought for a majority of students on campus, since it could potentially mean that they would not be able to play sports for the remainder of the season or possibly for the rest of their lives.

“When I broke my thumb in soccer last year, I was very frightened,” Megan Anderson, ’06, said. “I thought that was going to be the end of my soccer season and possibly a lifelong injury that I would have to live with.”

After attending several appointments, Anderson’s doctors could not figure out exactly what happened to her thumb. Finally, a doctor told Anderson that she had torn a ligament and dislocated her finger. Due to the severity of the injury, the doctor advised that Anderson could not play soccer for the rest of the year.

However, other athletes on campus do not share Anderson’s penchant for injuries.

“I’m a quick healer,” Michelle Smith, ’04, said. “I play both tennis and soccer and I have never suffered a major injury while playing either. My injuries have all been relatively minor but I’m tough and usually recover without missing too much time.”

While students are advised to see a doctor or discuss their injury with their parents and/or coaches, web sites like www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/ or kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/fitness/sports_safety.html also offer advice on dealing/coping with injuries.