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Free running/walking clinic with Olympian Suzy Favor Hamilton, presented by Fort HealthCare

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

March heralds the beginning of spring, and with that comes renewed motivation to get outside and get active. Perhaps that is why March is also recognized annually as National Athletic Training Month. This year’s theme is “Not all Athletes Wear Jerseys” to recognize that athletic trainers help prevent and treat injuries for all people who are physically active, not just those playing on the court or field.

olympic runner suzy favor hamilton To celebrate National Athletic Training Month, the Fort HealthCare Therapy & Sport Center is offering a running/walking clinic on Saturday, March 26 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the clinic, 1504 Madison Avenue in Fort Atkinson.

Individuals interested in training for a 5K, half-marathon or marathon this year can learn valuable tips for success. Highlights of the clinic include: discussion of orthopedic injuries, proper form, footwear selection, building endurance, selecting a training program and proper nutrition.

Special guest Olympic runner Suzy Favor Hamilton will be on hand to lend her expertise through an interactive run/walk. Clinic sessions will be led by Fort HealthCare’s certified athletic trainers.

Certified athletic trainers (ATC) are experts in the care of the physically active, and are recognized allied health professionals who work under the supervision of a team physician, and makes appropriate referrals when needed.

“Many people have heard of or even worked with an athletic trainer, but many don’t understand what the athletic trainer does,” said Sarah Dettwiler, ATC. “There is more to the athletic trainer than a fanny pack and tape.”

ATCs are responsible for the total healthcare of the athlete and work in areas of injury prevention and rehabilitation, nutrition and first aid to name a few. The primary responsibility of an ATC is injury prevention through education and providing advice concerning proper use of equipment and/or protective devices, such as braces, but they are also able to design conditioning and strength training programs to assist athletes in reaching peak performance.

Athletic trainers have specific education and training that makes them especially qualified to work with the physically active population. ATCs have graduated from an accredited athletic training education program and have passed a board of certification exam. They have an extensive background in exercise physiology in conjunction with medical expertise. Fort HealthCare has five ATCs on staff at the Therapy & Sport Center. Learn more at FortHealthCare.com/Therapy.