The Citizen, 2009-05-07, Page 8SportsPAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2009.
They are the summer warriors,
each year stepping from their winter
caves to do battle on diamonds,
fields and links in their favourite
recreational sports.
But after months of laying low and
kicking back what does it mean for
that well-rested body to get active
again?
Kinesiologist Patricia Beuermann
said sometime athletes, particularly
those playing competitively, are at
risk for injury if they don’t take
proper precautions before games.
“Any new sport, or returning to a
sport means you are using different
muscles. Stretching and
strengthening before starting are
extremely important.”
While golf may seem appear to be
a less physically demanding sport
than other warm-weather games,
Beuermann said many enthusiasts
will eventually suffer from golfer’s
elbow. “It’s an overuse injury. While
ball or soccer are more intense, you
usually only play once a week.
Golfers on the other hand are out
there several times a week, doing the
same thing over and over. It’s the
repetitiveness that
causes damage.”
To avoid this type of
injury, Beuermann
recommends taking the
necessary time to properly
stretch the forearm. “Place the
arm out straight, with the palm
facing the ceiling and pull the
fingers down towards the
ground, then put the palm down
and pull the fingers down
again,” she said.
Each stretch should be held
for 30 seconds and repeated at
least four times to be
beneficial, she said.
Another stretch will help
stretch the shoulder muscles,
which can also be hurt in golf
as well as baseball. “Put a
towel in your right hand and
put your right arm behind the
head. Then tuck the left into the
small of your back and grab the
towel. Pull it down for 30
seconds, then up for 30
seconds.”
After repeating this four
times, switch sides.
Stretch exercises for the back
are equally important as
muscles can strain and spines
can be injured by the
swinging of a club or bat.
Beuermann suggests arching
the back while reaching to
the ceiling, or doing a cat
stretch while on hands and
knees. “Once you feel the
stretch hold it for 30 seconds
and do 10 of these. It’s a good
overall stretch for the spine.”
The different positions that
can be played in certain
sports will mean different
requirements. For example,
Beuermann said a pitcher
needs to focus more on
strengthening than stretching.
She said people can find
information on stretching and
strengthening for specific
stresses on the body on-line.
And should take the time to
do so. “A lot of babyboomers
sustain injuries from sports.
If they would take a few
minutes to strengthen and
stretch before playing, it
could save them from a
month to six weeks of
recovery. It is imperative to
stretch.”
She adds as well that if you
suspect there may have been
some damage done get help. “If you
notice something get it treated
before it becomes a bigger problem.”
There is one sport that carries less
risk of injury — swimming. “The
force of gravity is not there, so it’s
the best exercise to do,” said
Beuermann. “You are actually
relaxing those muscles. It’s good for
arthritis, too because you are
moving the joints.”
However, she does caution those
with injuries to go easy. “Don’t
swim to the point of pain. But it is
the best exercise for recuperation
because you create your own
resistance so will never push too
far.”
By Jo-Ann McDonald
The general meeting for the
Brussels Legion Branch was held on
Tuesday evening and elections were
held. There was a good turnout of
Comrades and the regular business
of the Branch was dealt with.
Donations were approved for the
Spina Bifida Association and
Brussels Public School.
It was decided to hold the annual
elimination draw in September.
Everyone was reminded about the
silent auction to be held at the end of
May.
The committee chairman made
their reports. Comrade Greg Wilson
chair of membership, reported that
the Branch membership stands at
138. This is a drop of 11 members
from last year. Membership is the
life blood of the Branch, without
members, there is no Branch. We
invite anyone with an interest in
joining, to call Comrade Wilson.
Service officer, Comrade Mabel
Glanville, reported that the
Provincial Service Officer, Randy
Groundwater will be in the area June
7 - 13. Comrades wishing to have an
appointment with Mr. Groundwater,
should contact Comrade Mabel by
May 22.
Sports chairman, Comrade Rick
McDonald attended the zone sports
meeting at Seaforth Branch 156.
Brussels Branch will host Zone
double darts in January and District
mixed double darts in March.
The cemetery decoration service
has been changed to the last Sunday
in June due to conflicts.
Elections were conducted with all
offices being filled. The newly-
elected officers of Branch 218 will
take office as of June 1. They are
past president, Comrade Jo-Ann
McDonald; president, Comrade
John Lowe; first vice-president,
Comrade Deb. Cann; second vice-
president, Comrade Rick
McDonald; treasurer, Comrade
Nicole Noble; secretary, Comrade
Sandra Josling; executive
committee, Comrades Eric Ross,
Andy Overholt, Mabel Glanville,
Catrina Josling and Greg Wilson.
The chairman of the various
committees will be appointed by
Comrade President John this month.
Comrades willing to serve on a
committee, should contact him.
Congratulations to all the
Comrades on their election and for
the support of Branch 218.
The installation of officers will be
held with Seaforth Branch 156 on
May 22 at 8 p.m. There will be
entertainment by Jim Lee following
the installation.
The fish fry crew was off to
Mitchell United Church on
Wednesday evening, April 29. They
served around 150 folk. The work
crew included Rick McDonald,
Lloyd and Mabel Glanville, Harold
Bridge and Deb Cann. Great job
folks.
The Thursday night darts final
night was last week. Thirteen darters
took part in the evening’s fun. The
first-place team was Glen and Greta
Zehr and Marlene Little. In second
were Kae Smith and Harry Smith.
Awards were presented by
organizer Sandra Josling. The
awards for most starts went to Roger
McHardy and Sandra. Awards for
the most finishes went to Gord
Jacklin and Marlene Little. The
awards for most shots over 100 went
to Lawrence Machan and Sharon
The Lung Association is pleased
to announce that its local Golf
Privilege Coupon Book is back -
bigger and better, offering more
courses and more coupons than
ever
Just in time to kick off the golf
season, 2009 Lung Association Golf
Privilege Coupon Book features a
total of 46 coupons for great golfing
deals at 18 terrific area courses. All
for just $40.
Participating courses in Huron-
Perth are Bayview Golf Club,
Bluewater Golf Course, Goderich
Sunset Golf Course, Goderich
Sunset’s Baby Boomer Golf
Academy, Maitland Country Club,
Mitchell Golf & Country Club,
River Valley Golf and Country Club,
Seaforth Golf Club, Stratford
Country Club, Stratford Municipal
Golf Course, Tavistock Golf Course,
Wingham Golf and Curling Club,
and Woodlands Links Golf Club.
Just a little further afield are
some more courses – Black
Horse Golf and Country Resort
north of Lucknow, Dutton Meadows
Golf Club in Dutton, Pike Lake
Golf and Country Club near
Clifford, Sand Hills Golf Resort in
Thedford and Twin Streams Golf in
Delaware.
This bargain package featuring
great golfing deals (mainly two-for-
one) is a major fundraiser to support
the work of The Lung Association.
Monies raised will support vital
medical research into respiratory
disease as well as fund Lung
Association health initiatives, such
as the Asthma Action Program and
BreathWorks.
One in five Ontarians lives with
some kind of breathing problem and
lung disease is the third leading
cause of death in this country.
To order a 2009 Golf Privilege
Coupon Book, call The Lung
Association at 519-271-7500 or
drop by the office at the Jenny Trout
Centre (direct entrance off parking
lot) at 342 Erie St., Stratford.
Back in the swing
Getting back into summer sports after
a winter layoff can stress the body
and cause injury. (MS photo)
At the Branch
Good turnout to meeting
Stretch and strengthen before swinging
ANYONE INTERESTED
IN PLAYING
Brussels Men’s Town
League
Slow Pitch 19 and over
Contact: Jeff 519-887-9790
or Mike 519-887-6449
League starts May 26th
REGISTRATION
for Brussels Minor Hockey
Tuesday, May 12th and Tuesday, June 16th
Brussels Morris and Grey Arena
7 pm - 9 pm
Brussels Skating Club
will also hold registration on these dates at the same location for
Powerskating and Canskate.
For more information please call Allyson Cardiff at 519-887-9988.
For more information or to register online
please log on to
www.brusselsminorhockey.ca
Players not registered by June 16th
will be subject to a late fee.
By Bonnie Gropp
The Citizen
Lung Assoc. golf coupons back Walton Ball Park offering
Monday Night Baseball Basics
Open to ages 6-12
Starting May 25th
at 7:00 p.m.
No cost.
Contact Ron at 519-887-6677
or Blaine 519-522-0592
Continued on page 9
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