NATA Now | NATA

August 28, 2025 by Beth Sitzler

Family Story Shapes Diabetes Learning Lab

Ten years ago, Mike Prybicien, LAT, ATC, CES, shared with NATA News and NATA Now readers how his background in athletic training helped his family navigate his son Aiden’s diabetes diagnosis.

During the 76th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo in Orlando, a now 16-year-old Aiden joined his father to help educate other athletic trainers about caring for those with diabetes during the “Managing the Diabetic Physically Active Patient” Learning Lab June 27.

August 6, 2015 by NATA Staff

Reducing Concussions in Soccer

By John Doherty, ATC, PT

The high school soccer season started yesterday in Indiana. A week from tomorrow, the boys will get started in Illinois. In the Land of Lincoln, the girls play in the spring. Having the two genders play in opposite seasons — as is done in the vast majority of states — is good for officiating and good for fields but that is another story for another day.

Because, no matter the season, the way the game is played now is bad for everybody.

August 5, 2015 by NATA Staff

CMS Publishes New Proposed Stark Law Rule

On July 15, 2015, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published the Calendar Year 2016 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule. The Proposed Rule includes several clarifications and proposed modifications to the Stark Law regulations, including the creation of two new exceptions. The Proposed Rule appears to reflect two key themes:

August 4, 2015 by NATA Staff

Celebrating Women in Athletic Training

When Marjorie King, PhD, ATC, PT, was helping plan the Women in Athletic Training Reception, an event during NATA 2015 designed to celebrate the legacy of the Women’s in Athletic Training Committee, she said she hoped at least 25 people would show up. Must to her delight, approximately 250 NATA members filled the Regency Grand, Landmark 4, Wednesday, June 24, to celebrate the history of women in leadership roles in the athletic training profession.

July 31, 2015 by NATA Staff

Kansas City Announces Berry’s Return to Play

It was announced Wednesday, July 29, by Kansas City Chiefs Head Athletic Trainer Rick Burkholder, MS, ATC, and head coach Andy Reid that Eric Berry was cleared to resume football activities. The three-time Pro Bowl defensive back was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, cancer of the lymphatic system of the immune system, about eight months ago.

Nov. 24, 2014: Burkholder discloses to the media that a mass was found in Berry’s chest.

July 31, 2015 by NATA Staff

Helpful Hints For NATA Awards Candidates and Nominators

Applying for an award
Please keep the following tips in mind when completing your candidate profile:
· While the entire profile is considered for the Gail Weldon Award, an area of particular importance is the mentorship provided to women in athletic training.
· Honorary Membershipis awarded to a non-AT with 15 years of involvement with the profession or the NATA.

July 30, 2015 by NATA Staff

The Future of Biking in America?

By John Doherty, ATC, PT

A common refrain in this space is “exercise is medicine.” And if you are looking for proof, go no further than the current edition of HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.” In one segment, the host doubles as field reporter and offers some startling numbers on just how much in health care savings the citizens of Copenhagen realize by biking to work.

July 27, 2015 by NATA Staff

Awards Season Begins August 1

A new award season is upon us! 2016 nominations begin on August 1. The final day to nominate colleagues for a national honor is September 15 and all application materials are due by October 1.

July 24, 2015 by NATA Staff

Post-Convention Resources Available

It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a month since the convention, but in that time we have had the chance to finalize a bevy of related resources. We thought it might be helpful to compile all of them in a central location, so below you will find videos, photos, educational content and more.

For attendees:

2015 handout library

July 21, 2015 by NATA Staff

Heat Illness Handout

As temperatures around the country continue to rise – reaching the triple digits in some areas – it's important to remind parents, coaches and student athletes of the dangers of heat-related illnesses. There are several types of heat illness, but athletes are specifically at risk of exertional heat stroke, which is caused by intense exercise in the heat.

July 16, 2015 by NATA Staff

NFL Gameday Advocacy

NATA has partnered with USA Today Health and Human Services in a marketing effort to promote athletic trainers to NFL game attendees. This NATA advocacy ad will be featured in the gameday programs of the San Francisco 49ers, San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos and the New York Giants during the 2015-2016 season. Our message will focus on “Who is taking care of your kids?” and prompt readers to visit our public website scheduled to launch this fall.