Just in Time for Little League Season

New York Mets Baseball Medical Director and Co-Chief of Sports Medicine Service at New York's Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Dr. David Altchek and Professional Pitcher Rob Semerano will conduct a throwing and injury prevention workshop with kids from the Police Athletic League (PAL) in Washington Heights to show kids how they can avoid baseball injuries.

Thousands of kids from the five boroughs and across the entire metro area will take to the baseball diamond this season, but if they are not careful, they could end up injured. This fun and informative workshop will help keep a group of these future all-stars safe and less prone to injury.

• Fact! It is estimated that half of all organized sports-related injuries among children can be prevented.
• Fact! An estimated 4.8 million children 5 to 14 years of age participate in organized and recreational baseball and softball every year.
• Fact! 50 percent of all throwing injuries requiring medical attention are directly related to overuse, which occurs over time from repeated motion.
• Fact! Almost 500,000 baseball-related injuries are treated in hospitals, doctors' offices, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers and hospital emergency rooms annually.

David Altchek, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, and NY Mets Baseball Medical Director: Dr. Altchek has helped Major Leaguers and now he'll help Little Leaguers play it safe.

Rob Semerano, Professional Pitcher: This major leaguer, who throws a 95 mph fastball, will conduct a demonstration showing proper throwing techniques. Kids will have an opportunity to practice throwing and get helpful tips.

HSS Young Athletes Group: Medical experts specializing in young athletes will educate kids about the mechanics of throwing, injury prevention, strength training, body conditioning, and healthy eating.

Martin R. Eichelberger, M.D., Founder and Chairman, Safe Kids Worldwide; Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine; Chief, Trauma and Burn Service, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C.: Dr. Eichelberger will discuss the latest trends in preventing childhood injuries. Safe Kids Worldwide is a global network of organizations whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injury, a leading killer of children 14 and under.

Thursday, April 3, 2008, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

The Police Athletic League (Armory Center) in Washington Heights, N.Y., Room: Gymnasium
216 Ft. Washington Ave. (corner of 169th Street), New York, N.Y. 10032
Phone:  (212) 927-0306