New Rehabilitation Gym Targets Growing Number of Kids with Sports Injuries
ST. LOUIS, October 12, 2006 – St. Louis Children’s Hospital today unveiled the new Bank of America Sports Medicine Gym, the city’s only sports medicine gym designed specifically for rehabilitation therapy services for children. Under the same roof as the city’s top pediatric orthopedic, neurology and neurosurgery specialists, this upgraded facility will offer a comprehensive treatment regimen that incorporates the hospital’s vast expertise to provide care for the whole child and not just the injury.
Many of the hospital’s therapy patients are children recovering from sports injuries or are continuing higher level therapy as part of their treatment for other orthopedic or neurological disorders. Developed with input from pediatric physical therapists, the gym contains training equipment for kids, including stationary bikes, a treadmill, a rebounder and Isokinetic machines.
“We’re seeing an increase in injuries that require specialized treatment and the new gym will help kids get back to their active lifestyles faster,” says Paul Jenkins, physical therapist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “While this is the best specialized treatment for kids after they’ve suffered a sports injury, we’re also continuing to educate parents and coaches about ways to prevent injuries in the first place.”
The Bank of America Sports Medicine Gym, made possible by a $500,000 grant from the corporation, will be located on the fourth floor of the hospital. The rehabilitation gym will be used to treat children recovering from sports injuries as well as others who need therapy. It includes heat therapy, electrical stimulation and ultrasound equipment as well as weight training equipment for children who need to rebuild their strength and endurance.
“The opening of the Bank of America Sports Medicine Gym serves as a commitment to improving the communities in which our company conducts business,” said Patricia Mercurio, Missouri state president, Bank of America. “Organizations like St. Louis Children’s Hospital are anchors in their communities, promoting economic activity, creating jobs, and attracting and retaining residents. We are proud to partner with the hospital to provide therapy services for children in St. Louis and beyond.”
"We always strive for innovative ways to bring the best care to our young patients," said Lee Fetter, president of St. Louis Children's Hospital. "It's with tremendous support from community partners like Bank of America that we can better help kids walk, run or return to life as normal after a sports injury."
Each year more than 3.5 million kids under the age of 15 suffer sports injuries that require medical treatment, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
St. Louis Children’s Hospital offers a few tips to help prevent sports injuries in children:
Don’t make kids play through pain or make them feel that they can’t tell you about their pain. Listen to them. They’re not million-dollar athletes paid to play. Some significant injuries can have long-lasting effects.
Baseball pitchers should not throw any breaking balls, such as curve balls or sliders, until they’re ready to shave because these pitches are stressful on the shoulder and elbow.
There is no big advantage to playing year-round sports or specializing in one sport until adolescence for both psychological and physical reasons. Let kids experiment with different sports so the same joints are not continually stressed.
Make sure very active kids get enough calcium, iron and calories in their diet. Many young athletes underestimate their nutritional needs.
See a doctor for any pain that lasts longer than two weeks.
Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy
In 2005, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation embarked on an unprecedented $1.5 billion philanthropic goal over the next 10 years. The bank has announced it will donate $200 million in 2006, making Bank of America one of the most generous corporate donors in the country. The bank approaches giving through a national strategy called "neighborhood excellence" under which it works with local leaders to identify and meet the most pressing needs of communities. Through Team Bank of America, bank associate volunteers contribute more than 650,000 hours each year to improve the quality of life in their communities nationwide. For more information about Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy, please visit www.bankofamerica.com/foundation.
About St. Louis Children’s Hospital
St. Louis Children's Hospital has provided specialized care for children for more than 125 years. The hospital is affiliated with Washington University School of Medicine, ranked among the top medical schools in the country by US News & World Report. In 2005, Child magazine ranked St. Louis Children's Hospital among the 10 best children's hospitals in the country, and third in emergency medicine. St. Louis Children's Hospital is a member of BJC HealthCare. Visit www.stlouischildrens.org.
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