NATA Now

In honor of National Volunteer Month, held each April, NATA thanked its many volunteers and highlighted why a few decided to give back in the March NATA News. If you’re interested in joining the hundreds of volunteers who help the association, learn more about NATA’s various volunteer opportunities and get involved. Here is a continuation of our volunteer Q&A:

By Tamara C. Valovich McLeod, PhD, ATC, FNATA, Professor and Director, Athletic Training Programs, John P. Wood D.O. Endowed Chair for Sports Medicine Research Professor, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona A.T. Still University

The NATA Public Relations Committee has developed targeted PR packages to assist ATs with promoting the profession and connecting with external stakeholders during National Athletic Training Month (NATM). The 2018 theme is “Compassionate Care for All.” Each package will focus on a specific target audience including the marketing, communications or PR department at your workplace, risk management/human resources, government officials and workplace and community stakeholders.

A recent high profile sexual abuse and misconduct case in athletics and a subsequent bill that details new reporting requirements, passed in both the U.S. House and Senate, have prompted many organizations to take action to help protect others from these types of horrific and unconscionable actions.

Exertional rhabdomyolysis, an excessive breakdown of muscle fiber during physical activity, is a dangerous health and safety issue – and one that is preventable. To shine a light on exertional rhabdomyolysis, NCAA Chief Medical Officer Brian Hainline, MD, has issued guidelines that athletic trainers can use to prevent this life-threatening occurrence from taking place.

Build relationships with other local health care professionals.

The January NATA News featured an article by the Transition to Practice Workgroup, detailing its findings in relation to helping athletic trainers successfully transition into the field of their employment. The article discussed various aspects of transitioning to practice and recommendations for the individual, employer and professional education program.

By Timothy Neal, MS, ATC, CCISM

By Chase Paulson, MS, ATC

Are you prepared to be a good host? No, I’m not talking about finger foods or beverages, but rather being prepared for when visitors arrive to your field or stadium with a mutual understanding of what is to come when the whistle blows. It is essential for the secondary school athletic trainer to communicate properly the nuances of their home site to any visitor to ensure a collaborative effort if, and when, emergencies arise.

By Amanda Donahue, MS, ATC