-
Youth Hockey Players: “Heads Up, Don’t Duck”
Share this:
With more than a half million U.S. children playing hockey, there's a renewed effort to keep them from getting hurt. As the young players careen toward the boards, it's almost instinctive for them to duck their heads. But experts say that's the wrong thing to do. USA Hockey and Mayo Clinic have released a video with powerful animation demonstrating the dangers of players tucking or ducking their heads as they hit the boards. A training program called “Heads Up, Don’t Duck” teaches players to instantly choose the safest posture for impact. Orthopedic surgeon Michael Stuart, M.D., says, “If you can’t avoid head contact, always keep your head up and don’t duck. When the head is up, the normal curvature of the spine has more shock-absorbing ability. When the head is down, the spine is straight, which makes it more susceptible to fracture that can damage the spinal cord.” Dr. Stuart is also co-director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center and chief medical officer for USA Hockey.
To interview Dr. Stuart, contact:
Bryan Anderson
507-284-5005
newsbureau@mayo.edu
Share this:
Related articles
A salmonella outbreak in North America is being linked to cantaloupe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, is a common bacterial ...
Dupuytren (DOO-puh-tren) contracture is a disorder that can cause the fingers to curl in, primarily the ring and small fingers. It's a genetic condition mostly affecting men ...
LA CROSSE, Wis. – Tree stand accidents, firearm injuries and heart issues are the more high-profile injuries reported during deer hunting season. But some of ...