All players are required to provide a copy of a current physical indicating that they have been cleared to play contact sports. Physicals are good for a period of 1 year and must be dated after November 1st of the prior year (11/1/2008 for the 2009 season). If a player does not submit a physical they will not be allowed to participate in any contact drills, scrimmages or games until such time that one is received. This is a NO EXCEPTIONS policy.
Free Physicals
Every year Apple Therapy / The Safe Sports Network offers free physicals to Manchester high school athletes. They have once again extended an invitation to Manchester Bears' players to take advantage of this opportunity. This year the date for the physical is
June 4th from 5:30 - 6:30pm
and is on a first come first served basis. Complete the Apple Therapy form found at the bottom of this article or on our "Registration and Forms" page and return to Apple Therapy by May 15th. We can do a walk-in on the day of the event if need be but that is discouraged. Players should arrive early if anything. If there is no one in line at 6:05 the process will stop and someone arriving at 6:25 will loose out.If you have any questions contact Kevin Wheel at 557-5441 or Coach Cronin at 548-5369.
Our policy on physicals is the standard practice used by most high schools. It is recommended that you schedule your physicals in June or July as this will cover all sports participated in throughout the school year. To assist you in obtaining a physical we have identified the following organizations, which tend to have a shorter waiting period than most physicians. You are by not required to use these organizations, this information is meant only to be of service.
Where Can YOU Get a Quick Physical?
Teen Health Clinic
1245 Elm Street
Manchester, NH 03101
603-629-9707
By appointment only but with a promise to expedite based upon need. Cost of $45 - $65 depending upon you insurance.
_______________________________________
Concentra
156 Harvey Road 1 Pillsbury Street 14A Broad Street
Londonderry, NH 03053 Concord, NH 03301 Nashua, NH 03064
603-644-3330 603-223-2300 603-889-2354
Walk-in service available. Open extended hours weekdays, weekends and holidays in most areas. Cost is $60 typically for same day physical.
_______________________________________
Apple Therapy Services / Safe Sports Network
29 Kosciuszko Street
Manchester, NH 03101
603-668-1106
Apple Therapy provides free sports physicals to all area middle and high school athletes on a designated date, typically in June. See above. If you were unable to attend this event, appointments may be made at a cost of $45 - $75 depending upon you insurance.
Proper Hydration:
Water is absolutely essential for life. It makes up 50-75% of your body. A loss of only 3-4% of body water adversely affects aerobic performance and larger losses can lead to death. Under normal conditions without exercise, water loss equals about 2.5L/day. However, in higher temperatures and with heavy exercise, the water loss almost triple to 6-7 L/day. To avoid potential problems associated with dehydration, an athlete should drink water before and during exercise. It is important to note that thirst is not an adequate stimulus to stay hydrated.
Think of fluids as the essential way to control performance levels. "What is enough water?" The American College of Sports Medicine and the NATA have studied this and set these guidelines:
Pre exercise:1 day before exercise - drink at least 64 oz of water
2 1/2 hours before exercise - drink 17-20 oz of water
15 minutes before exercise - drink 8 oz of water
During exercise:Every 10-15 minutes-drink 8 oz of water.
Post exercise:Per pound of weight loss - drink 20 oz of water
Note: 8 oz = 1 cup; 1 cup is about the size of your fist
Soda and coffee should be avoided because they act as a diuretic, causing additional fluid loss. Water is very good up to the point when the body develops a deficiency in carbohydrate stores and sodium. Gatorade can be used for hydration purposes to replace these important minerals and electrolytes. The thirst reflex cannot be depended upon because it normally leads to ingestion of only 50% of the actual fluid that our body needs during exertional activity - if you have a water break use it to drink! In summary, fluid replacement during exercise is important because is reduces the heart rate, body temp, and perceived exertion responses to exercise. This results in a decrease in the athlete's body fatigue and anything that delays or maintains the fatigue rate of your body will enhance your performance.
_______________________________________
HEAT STROKE IN SPORTS:HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND HELP YOUR TEAMMATES
Heat stroke is always a risk in any sport when it's warm, especially in football. In football, the uniform insulates the player and increases die risk of heat stroke. Heat stroke is possible any time the air temperature is above 80 degrees F and the relative humidity is above 40%. Here are some tips that will help you protect yourself and help your teammates:.
• Improving your physical fitness and adjusting your body to the heat over several days lower your risk of heat stroke. Don't jump from an easy, air-conditioned life into a preseason two-a-days.
• Get fit first, and adjust to the heat for a week or two before formal practices begin by jogging 30-45 minutes a day in the heat in shorts and T-shirt. Be prepared.
• The highest risk for heat stroke occurs in the first few days of training in hot weather. The largest and fattest athletes are the most heat-sensitive.
• On the field, read your body, don't defy Mother Nature, and never ignore early warning signs of illness. Train, don't strain.
• Take full advantage of every rest break. Seek shade, take your helmet off, and drink. Sit in a cold tub right after practice. Hie cooler you stay, the better you play.
• Off the field, never skip meals, get plenty of fluids and salt, avoid soda, stay cool when you can, and get plenty of sleep.
• Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Early recognition and proper treatment can save lives.
• Other tips on what to do and what to watch for to avoid heat stroke in sports are listed in the following tables.
WHAT TO DO TO AVOID HEAT STROKE
Come to the first practice physically fit and heat-fit Report fever or illness to the athletic trainer Show all your medicines to the trainer Avoid stimulants like ephedra
Stay hydrated
Favor sports drinks over plain water
Watch urine: Should be plentiful and pale
Watch weight: Early weight loss is fluid loss
After a workout, drink 11/2 pints of fluid for every pound of weight lost
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE
Fuzzy thinking
Can't follow the plays
Seems confused
Suddenly forgetful
Runs the wrong way
Bizarre behavior
Talks nonsense
Blank stare
Laughs or cries at wrong time
Yells in rage at coach or peers
Wants to fight for no good reason
Physical decline
Begins to lose coordination
Sudden or unusual fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Chills and goose bumps
Over breathing, tingly fingers
Wobbles or staggers, collapses
Seizure or coma
