The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 38 COVID patients today, down from 39 yesterday. Other significant numbers:

• 22 with the active virus today, 23 yesterday
• 5 in ICU, 5 yesterday
• 2 on ventilators, 2 yesterday
• 16 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, 16 yesterday

Key points from today’s guests:

Bob Page, President and CEO, The University of Kansas Health System and Mark Donovan, President, Kansas City Chiefs

• Recalled the talks between them that led to this 11-year partnership
• Page noted this was not just a marketing agreement, but a commitment to take care of the health needs of the players, coaches, staff and fans. It’s a privilege that the Chiefs trust the health system with these incredibly talented and valuable assets they have called players.
• Donovan says this was one of the first such partnerships in the NFL and has been a huge success

Dr. Paul Schroeppel, head orthopedic surgeon, Kansas City Chiefs

• The kinds of injuries seen in the NFL are unlike those in any other professional sport.
• Being able to take care of pro football injuries helps take care of the sprains, strains and other injuries suffered by high school athletes and weekend warriors

Dr. Dennis Allin, Emergency Medicine, Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine

• Showed the mini hospital at Arrowhead where fans are treated, one of seven first aid stations at the stadium
• Common on game day to treat fans for heart attacks, strokes, seizures and other critical illnesses
• Heat related problems and headaches are other common reasons fans seek treatment
• Works closely with emergency services to transport critically ill patients to area hospitals

Shawn Barber, former Chiefs player

• Joined discussion, along with Chiefs mascot KC Wolf
• Explained why Red Friday helps fans and players get ready for the start of the season
• Talked about different superstitions some players observe after a win, such as keeping the same gloves or making sure their socks are at the same height
• Explained pregame meals, and why lots of carbs and proteins like pasta and chicken are best

Dr. Shannon Kraft, ear, nose and throat specialist, The University of Kansas Health System

• It’s easy to damage your vocal cords with excessive cheering and screaming, whether at home or at the stadium
• Most of the damage, which could result in a hoarse voice, is reversible
• If symptoms last more than a day or two, or if you have a complete loss of voice, you want to see an ear nose and throat specialist as soon as possible

Chef Eric King, assistant director of Dining Services, The University of Kansas Health System

• Prepared healthy tailgate snack called Sweet Potato Bites and shared recipe

Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director, Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System

• Believes that most people attending the Chiefs games this year are “over it” when it comes to observing COVID protocols
• Stresses it’s up to each individual to assess their risk of being in big crowds
• Says it’s important to be up to date with vaccinations if planning to be walking around in a park or being in a large stadium gathering
• Discussed study finding those who get COVID may now have a damaged nervous system and inflammation

Monday, September 12 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. Six million adults experience chronic back pain. You’ll meet a man with that problem and find out how a tiny FDA approved device is outsmarting his pain and getting him back on his feet.

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