The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 49 COVID patients today, up from 47 Wednesday. Other significant numbers:
- 21 with the active virus today, 23 Wednesday
- 3 in ICU, 4 Wednesday
- 3 on ventilators, 2 Wednesday
- 28 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, 24 Wednesday
Key points from today’s guests:
Dr. David Smith, medical director of Youth Sports Medicine, Kansas State High School Activities Association Sports Medicine Advisory Committee Member
- High school athletes in Kansas have a six step process for returning to play after suffering a concussion and must be cleared by an MD or a DO. Ideal time for being seen is within 48 hours of injury.
- Cheerleading has the most concussions per number of participants
- Health system has begun SWAY program in 14 middle schools and 13 high schools through its athletic trainers. It’s a baseline balance and neurocognitive measurement which can be used to help determine whether a student athlete has suffered a concussion.
- To help deal with heat, schools now using wet bulb globe temperature device. It measures a combination of ambient temperature, humidity, wind speed, cloud cover, sun and can be done right on the practice field. Five stages of alerts go from green to black, and tell coaches whether practices need to be limited or canceled.
- Mental health a big focus in schools this year. Upcoming formal program to educate all those who deal with student athletes in recognizing and addressing mental health problems.
- New guidance says student athletes with COVID do not necessarily need to be cleared by a physician before returning to their sport
Doug Wiesner, program director Youth Sports Medicine, director of athletic trainers
- Athletic trainers in high schools work almost year round
- Dedicated athletic trainers are vital for each school because they get to know the athletes and can spot something that is not normal
- Developed an emergency action plan for students facing mental health problems
- Parents need to constantly know what’s going on with their kids and make sure they are still enjoying their sport
- Academics are always more important than sports
Dakota Orlando, athletic trainer
- Encourages athletes to make a commitment to summer training, otherwise they will be behind those who took part
- Advises kids to try many sports at an early age and not focus on just one. Single sport athletes tend to burn out faster.
- Reminds teen athletes that whatever food you take in is how your body performs. To perform at a higher level they must eat at a higher level.
- There is no perfect age to have a child start a contact sport like football. Needs to be a family decision based on the individual child.
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System
- Noted the trend of COVID cases around the U.S. and at the health system is lower
- Monkeypox cases are increasing around the country. More vaccine coming from the government.
- Not surprised at recent study showing ivermectin has no benefit for COVID patients
- Boosters to fight most recent COVID variants coming this fall
Monday, August 22 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. That loss of smell might not be COVID. A new study finds it could be a warning sign of dementia. More than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer's. We’ll cover everything from the latest research to how the flu vaccine is helping with memory loss.
ATTENTION: media procedure for joining:
Zoom link: https://kumc-ois.zoom.us/j/7828978628
Telephone Zoom link: 1-312-626-6799, meeting ID: 782 897 8628
TVU Grid link: UoK_Health_SDI
Restream links: Facebook.com/kuhospital
YouTube.com/kuhospital
Send advance questions to medicalnewsnetwork@kumc.edu.
