Rhea Medical Center

KEEPING ATHLETES IN THE GAME Sports injury prevention begins off the field with a complete physical, proper cardiovascular and strength training, and an understanding of sport-specific fundamentals. MOST RHEA COUNTY area athletic programs require preparticipation sports physicals. These exams are an important step in avoiding a trip to the emergency department, and they help students learn about maintaining a lifelong wellness plan with a trusted provider. These visits form the basis for the training athletes will need before competition. "Preventing injury is the priority," says Gary Reeves, PTA, co-owner of Professional Therapy Services at Rhea Medical Center. "Preseason conditioning and core exercises are keys to staying healthy. A strong core— abdominal and back muscles—helps with balance, movement, power, and positioning. Also, before playing any sport, everybody needs a sports-based physical, which assesses the student-athlete's musculoskeletal system, range of motion, joints, and baseline condition." On the Field Athletes can take several steps on the field to avoid injury, including: + Staying hydrated to avoid cramping and heat-related issues. + Using proper sport-specific equipment. + Using proper ball-throwing and tackling techniques to maximize performance and limit the possibility of injury. When a player is hurt on the field, Rhea Medical therapists are skilled in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. They work closely with physicians, the training staff, and each patient to create an individualized rehabilitation plan. Gary Reeves, PTA FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RHEA MEDICAL CENTER'S PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES, CALL 423.570.0911. The Diabetes Challeng e Beat the possibility of a diabetesdominated future by rethinking your lifestyle. ABOUT ONE PERSON in 10 in Rhea County is living with diabetes, a disease that affects the body's ability to control blood sugar levels. The most common form of the disease, Type 2 diabetes, is closely related to obesity and physical inactivity. About 30 percent of the county's population is considered overweight and sedentary, further raising diabetes concerns. Because the symptoms of this type of diabetes appear slowly, many people have no idea that they are in the early stages of the disease. These symptoms may include being extra thirsty and urinating often. Fatigue, feeling hungry, or unexplained weight loss may be early signs. Problems with vision or wounds that won't heal could signal a prediabetic condition. The good news is most cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented and even reversed with lifestyle changes, which may involve medication, regular blood sugar testing, and developing better eating and exercise habits. Rhea Medical Center offers diabetes education classes coordinated by a nutritional professional. These classes help those with diabetes navigate from a diabetes diagnosis to glucose self-monitoring, meal planning, and medication management. FOR A HEART-HEALTHY RECIPE GEARED TO THOSE WITH DIABETES, TURN TO PAGE 8. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MANAGING DIABETES WITH RHEA MEDICAL CENTER, CALL 423.755.8644 OR VISIT RHEAMEDICAL.ORG. RHEAMEDICAL.ORG 3

• Cover