Sports injuries costly to AF readiness

  • Published
  • By Col. Darren James
  • 71st Flying Training Wing commander
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  I hope everyone had the opportunity to relax a bit and enjoy the long Memorial Day weekend with family and friends. Thanks to all of you for returning safely!!!

As we enter week 2 of the "Critical Days of Summer" campaign, I want to highlight the risk that sports pose to you and your family. Over the past five years, Air Force members experienced 2,468 sports injuries on duty and 1,628 sports injuries off duty. Collectively, these injuries cost the Air Force over $16.8 million in lost productivity. The risk extends further to your spouses and children. Every year, more than 10,000 civilians are treated in ER departments for sports, recreation, and exercise injuries, and roughly 715,000 sports and recreation injuries occur in school settings.

Sports are a great way to maintain your fitness and relax from the pressures of work and life. However, I urge you to take the time to warm up properly, wear appropriate gear, and understand the injuries common to the sports you choose. For your awareness, I have attached a WebMD article that describes the 7 most common sports injuries and their treatment. You may also find useful injury prevention brochures on the American College of Sports Medicine website at:

http://www.acsm.org/access-public-information/search-by-topic/search-by-topic/brochures?RelatedTaxonId=4e4fa280-a507-4cd5-935a-dd16d1a70af2

If you are injured while participating in sports, on or off duty, please seek appropriate medical attention, notify your supervisor and unit safety rep, and complete an AF form 978, "Supervisor's Mishap Report".

I know you work hard, and I hope you fully enjoy the many sports and recreation opportunities offered on Vance and in the Enid community. Play hard, but play smart - Double Checks, Not Second Thoughts!

Col. J