September 12, 2007

Sports Briefs

Many Americans suffer eye injuries in sports-related accidents

Sports can play a pivotal role in staying active and healthy. But adults and children need to remember to protect their eyes while playing sports, even if it’s in their own backyard.

According to research from The Coalition to Prevent Sports Eye Injuries, approximately 25 percent of the estimated 2.4 million eye injuries that occur in the United States each year happen during sports and recreational activities.

The good news is that 90 percent of all eye injuries can be prevented by using the proper eye protection. Prevent Blindness America has dedicated September as Sports Eye Health and Safety Month to help educate the public on what they can do to protect their vision

Playing sports is an ideal way to stay in shape and remain active. However, a serious eye injury can sideline even the best athletes permanently. It is estimated that there are more than 600,000 sports related eye injuries in America every year. And, 40,000 of those require emergency room care.

Fortunately, just wearing the proper eye protection can prevent 90 percent of all sports--elated eye injuries. Lenses should be made of polycarbonate and have an American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) label, indicating they meet the standards of the ASTM for the specific sport.

In recent years, basketball was the number-one cause of eye injuries. However, based on a recent study by the United States Eye Injury Registry, fishing has surpassed basketball in injuries. In fact, eye injuries from fishing make up approximately 9 percent of all sports eye injuries. And, 38 percent of fishing injuries involved hooks to the eye.

“Every 13 minutes, another emergency room treats a sports eye injury that could have easily been prevented,” said Daniel D. Garrett, senior vice president of Prevent Blindness America. “Although eye injuries can occur at any age, it’s young people who are the most at risk, making up 66 percent of all injuries.”

Besides fishing accidents, eye injuries from other sports are still common. Those who do not wear the proper eye protection can suffer serious damage. According to The Coalition to Prevent Sports Eye Injuries:

* Approximately 1 in 50 Little League baseball players will sustain an eye injury that requires attention.

* One in 20 NBA (National Basketball Association) injuries involve the eye.

* The leading cause of eye injury in adult women is from racket sports.

* The average football team will experience four eye injuries each season.

* More than 55 percent of all eye injuries from soccer occur in 6-14 year olds.

“Sports injuries pose a serious threat to vision yet few people take the necessary precautions to protect sight," added Garrett. “We encourage parents, schools and sports organizations to take leadership roles in promoting the use of safety eyewear.”

There is no evidence that wearing eye protection hampers athletic performance.

Eye injuries can include painful corneal abrasions, blunt trauma and penetrating injuries. Severe injuries can result in vision loss and in some cases, blindness.

About Prevent Blindness America
Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness America is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness America touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screenings, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, divisions and chapters, it's committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call 1-800-331-2020 or visit the Web at www.preventblindness.org.

Ready, set, go…

It’s nearly time for the annual Almaden Times Classic

It’s nearly time for the 14th annual Almaden Times Classic Run for Youth, to benefit the Almaden Valley Counseling Service. This year’s race is begins Sunday, Sept. 23 at 9 a.m. at the Leland High School Parking lot, 6677 Camden Ave.

Last year, nearly 540 runners turned out, eclipsing the 400 runners from the previous year. And, the event raised $20,000 dollars for the Almaden Valley Counseling Service--money that helps make the agency’s unique services available to the public.

The AVCS provides low-cost psychotherapy and counseling for people who cannot afford it elsewhere. The facility on Crown Boulevard hosts support groups and allocates 24 interns to local schools to help provide counseling. The race is one of the major fund-raisers for AVCS.

This year’s race features a 10K/2-mile run-walk through Almaden’s paved creek trail and some residential streets. A course map is available at www.avcounseling.org. There are eight age divisions including: 9 and under, 10-13, 14-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-plus.

The four overall winners will receive gift certificates and there will be awards for the first three winners in each age division and ribbons for all children. The entry fee includes a T-shirt and random prizes will be given out based on race numbers. Runners also will receive good bags, food and drinks. Finish line photos will be available from 1-2-3 CheesE.

Pre-registration is due by Sept. 18 with prices for those registrants at $23 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under. On race day the costs will be $30 for adults and $15 for children. Families, up to four people including adults and children, can pre-register for $55, or $65 on Sept. 23. A separate entry form is required for each family member.

Race numbers and shirts will be handed out on race day to all registrants. Race-day registration will open at 8 a.m. Pre-registration is recommended to guarantee a T-shirt.

This year’s sponsors include the Almaden Shopping Center, San Jose Water Company 4-D. Actel, Braddock & Logan Homes, Robson Homes, ACLIS, Westfield Shopping Towns, Classic Car Wash, PG&E, The Schoenauer Company, Mid-Peninsula Bank, Unwined, Camden Almaden Buildings, Elite Chiropractic and Sports Center, Athletic Nation, Brandenburg Family Foundation, TotalFit Solutions, Dr. Thomas McGrath, Summerhill Homes, Shappell Homes, Camilles Sidewalk Café, Ventura Barnett Properties, Sports Basement, Cindy Cockcroft and Amy McCafferty from Alain Pinel Realtors, SCC Supervisor Don Gage, Panera Bakery, Del Biaggio Family Foundation and Almaden Times Weekly.

The AVCS would also like to thank ME Fox & Co, Athletic Performance, Starbucks, McDonalds, California Pizza Kitchens, In N’ Out Burger, Sonoma Chicken Coop, Pulte Homes and Saturn for their help.

Registration forms can be found at www.avcounseling.org. For more information, call (408) 997-0200.

The Walk to Cure Diabetes at Baylands Park in Sunnyvale
Scheduled for Oct. 7, this event will help raise millions of dollars for research to find a cure for diabetes and its complications. As one of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s largest fundraising efforts, this event empowers family, community and corporate teams to take action and help find a cure. JDRF’s mission is to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Since its inception, JDRF has put more than $900 million towards diabetes research. In a typical year, more than 80 percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly support research and education about research.  Significant dollars come back to fund research grants in the Bay Area at Stanford and UCSF. Registration is 10 a.m. and the walk begins at 11 a.m. Register at: www.walk.JDRF.org For more information, contact JDRF Greater Bay Area Chapter at 415-977-0360; greaterbay@jdrf.org; www.jdrf.org/greaterbay

Bay Area Boot Camp 5K Fitness Training Program
Boot Camp dates are from September 10 - November 4 at South Bay locations. The cost is $125 - All proceeds benefit the Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative. The 5K Fitness Training program, developed by Bay Area Boot Camp’s expert coaching staff, is a comprehensive workout series designed to prepare you for the Silicon Valley 5K Run/Walk on November 4, 2007.

Designed for runners of all levels, this eight-week program includes:

- Eight weekly training sessions led by Bay Area Boot Camp coaches

- A detailed schedule of running, speed, and cross-training drills

- A Training log to help you track your progress and keep your focus

- An eight-week nutrition plan designed to support your training and optimize your energy level

- Unlimited phone and email support from our coaching staff of veteran 5K, 10K, and marathon runners

- 15% off September and October Boot Camp sessions - an ideal way to enhance your race preparations and cross train in a supportive group environment

- A pre-race party – get to know your fellow 5K racers and learn more about BAWSI!

For more information, contact Mary Beth Gonzales at marybeth@bayareabootcamp.com or phone 408-425-9475. Visit our website at www.bayareabootcamp.com.

Sports Briefs listings are subject to the following fee structure: $25 per month, per publication for the Evergreen and Almaden Times; $10 per month, per publication for the monthly newspapers. Indicate publication placement at the time the listing/payment is submitted. Sports Briefs accepts checks – payable to Times Media, Inc – VISA or MC. To charge your payments call Sonia Pineda at 494-7000 x205. Be sure to reference your team/organization with your payment. Listings appear once payments are received. TMI sponsored events and full-proceed charity fundraisers exempted. Email, fax or mail listing text to: candy@timesmediainc.com 1310 Tully Road, Suite 107, San Jose, CA 95122.