Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers' Society (PATS) Appears on RCN Sports Talk Show to Discuss Dangers of Using Performance Enhancing Drugs
Harrisburgh, PA (PRWEB) May 20, 2014 -- On March 12, 2014, HR6262 sponsored by Pennsylvania Representative Joe Hackett, was passed unanimously by the PA House of Representatives. HR6262 condemns the use of all illegal steroids and performance enhancing drugs (PED), calls for education about PEDs for coaches, athletic directors and student athletes in the Commonwealth, and rebukes any institution or organization that allows their use.
John Moyer (PATS, President-Elect) and Al Thompson spoke on behalf of HR626 at a press conference in Harrisburg held by Representative Hackett following the passing of the resolution in March.
A key component of HR626 is educating the public about the dangers of performance enhancing drug use. The Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers' Society can be a valuable source to provide this education for student athletes, athletic directors, coaches and parents associated with all secondary schools and universities in the Commonwealth.
PATS President Elect, John Moyer, was invited to appear on RCN Sports Talk Show by Senior Producer and Broadcaster Chris Michael on May 8, 2014. Appearing on the show along with Moyer and Michael were RCN Broadcaster, Joe Craig, Editor in Chief of Football Stories magazine, Al Thompson, and founder of the United States Strength Coalition, Lou Costa. Representative Joe Hackett called in to the show and fielded questions from the panel.
The panel on the RCN Sports Talk Show offered insight on the questions presented by Chris Michael and Joe Craig and all offered their own unique thoughts on the PED issue.
Thompson’s focus was on major strongman competitions and federations that do not promote the drug testing of their athletes and competitors. He explained how “America’s Strongest Man”, “World’s Strongest Man” and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s strongman competitions lack of drug testing of their contestants is what led to those shows being dropped from ESPN’s programming schedule. “This resolution sends a clear message to these competition organizers that PED abuse will not be tolerated” stated Thompson.
Lou Costa, who is the founder of the newly formed United States Strength Coalition and is also a strength and conditioning coach for high school football players focused on the importance of a level playing field and stressed that proper strength and conditioning along with a proper diet are the keys to athletic success. Costa stated “Young athletes look up to professional athletes and those athletes who compete in strongman competitions. I have a real concern when a high level athlete is using PEDs to enhance their performance which could lead to young athletes doing the same which could cause permanent damage to their health.”
PATS President Elect, John Moyer, discussed how all Licensed Athletic Trainers in the Commonwealth have received in-depth education about injury management for the physically active, as well as, conditioning, nutritional and mental health aspects of sport. Moyer stated “Our educational process allows the Licensed Athletic Trainer to recognize the potential use and abuse of PEDs by all athletes of both genders in our secondary schools and universities in the Commonwealth”.
Moyer added ”The highlight of the show for me was being able to urge Representative Hackett to reach out to PATS for our assistance in the educational component of his resolution. He thanked me for the offer to assist”
In conclusion, by supporting HR626 and by appearing on RCN Sports Talk, PATS continues to create allies with our legislators, as well as, educating the public about the services that all Licensed Athletic Trainers in the Commonwealth can provide.
For more information regarding this topic or to schedule an interview with PATS President Yvette Ingram, PhD, LAT, ATC, please contact Linda Mazzoli MS, LAT, ATC, PATS Executive Director at patsexecutivedirector(at)gopats(dot)org.
The Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers' Society, Inc. is a progressive organization of licensed health care professionals who work under the direction of a licensed physician. Our society continues to increase public awareness and education regarding Athletic Trainers and the Athletic Training profession while serving as the premier source of information for public safety, injury and illness prevention, early intervention, patient care, and healthcare delivery for the physically active in the Commonwealth. For more information on PATS, visit http://www.gopats.org
“The Keystone to a Healthy and Physically Active Life”
Mike Prybicien, District 2 National Athletic Trainers Association, http://www.natad2.org/, +1 (201) 788-2961, [email protected]
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