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A Five Part Series on the Hazards Associated With Summer Activities
By Petty Officer 2nd Class Marc Rockwell-Pate
NAPLES, Italy — At the heart of America’s sports addicted society lies the country’s national pastime – baseball. For many who have known this sport their whole lives, their love for baseball has transferred to another game filled with camaraderie, competition, and, lets face it, the same skill set. This sport is the military’s national pastime – softball.
According to About.com, softball players commonly suffer from acute and cumulative injuries in their shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands, backs, knees and ankles. These injuries range from rotator cuff tears and herniated back disks to torn knee ligaments and broken bones.
“The hazards of softball are the same as many other sports,” said James Senn, the Navy sports contact for Command, Navy Installations Command. “There is a risk of trauma, strains and sprains. Since softball is a game that is, for the most part, played in the summer months, there is also the risk of sunburn, dehydration, or heat related injuries, such as heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.”
Even though players know about some of the more common injuries associated with softball, some participants still make the choice to consume alcohol before and during the games, increasing their chances of getting hurt.
“Alcohol is a psychoactive drug that has a depressant effect,” said Senn. “As such, it reduces attention and slows reaction speed. If impaired, the reaction time is slowed and the ball that would have normally been fielded now becomes a weapon. Not to mention, it adds calories and acts as an appetite stimulant which can result in increased calories consumed. Not a good mix for someone who wants to get around those bases a little bit faster.”
Senn added that all those who are participating in softball should, at a minimum, be involved in a pre-season, sport-specific conditioning program. Players should also arrive at the ball park with enough time to perform a dynamic warm-up which includes exercises that simulate the movements that are made in the course of a softball game.
Along with warming up, players should also check the playing field prior to play and remove any objects or impediments that could lead to injury. Most importantly, if someone sees something that is a hazard or could lead to unsafe playing conditions, bring it to the attention of the installation’s sports staff immediately. “Many times unsafe conditions go unnoticed, and therefore unrepaired,” said Senn.
With the July 4 weekend quickly approaching, many men and women throughout Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia are performing fielding and throwing drills as well as spending a little extra time in the batting cage for what is the biggest softball tournament weekend not only in the military, but also in the United States.
“Slow pitch softball is popular in the Navy for a number of reasons,” said Senn. “The game is a derivative of America’s game – baseball. Once their [military members] playing days are over, for most this is after high school, softball is an alternative to the game they may have played and loved from a very early age. Also, there are many levels of play and one doesn’t need to be a superstar to go out and have a good time.”
With the thousands of military personnel in the EURAFSWA Region alone playing softball during the upcoming Independence Day weekend, the risks for injuries, heat stroke and sunburns aren’t just a possibility – they are a reality. In order to help highlight these preventable injuries, the Navy Safety Center 2010 summer safety campaign is focusing on increasing safety awareness while participating in outdoor activities.
“The Navy Safety Center's summer safety campaign slogan, 'Live to Play, Play to Live,' is expressive of our Region's goal to encourage personnel and their families to get outdoors and enjoy the many opportunities to travel and play, and also emphasize the importance of being safe while doing so,” said Steven Kalnasy, deputy region safety director for Region EURAFSWA.
“Playing softball, basketball, soccer, or even running a couple of miles can be hazardous endeavors when people fail to prepare,” added Kalnasy. “Even doing seemingly hazard free activities, like playing with a pet or a child in the back yard can cause an injury that can end your summer plans. So it’s important to always approach any activity with caution.”
Even with the many hazards linked to participating in softball and other summer activities, Region EURAFSWA safety officials encourage everyone to get out and enjoy to summer months … but do so with safety in mind.
Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia is responsible for providing efficient and effective shore service support to U.S. and allied forces operating at our installations. For more information about Navy Region Europe, visit http://www.cnic.navy.mil/europe.
| Date Taken: | 06.23.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 06.23.2010 08:45 |
| Story ID: | 51822 |
| Location: | NAPLES, IT |
| Web Views: | 499 |
| Downloads: | 142 |
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