HEALTH

JOCK DOC

Muscular injury needs rest, meds and rehab

Q: I am a 45-year­ old woman who recently joined a health club. I learned a workout routine from a trainer and, :while performing easy pulldowns, I devel­ oped a sharp pain in

my right shoulder blade. I rested it and the pain improved and I was able to finish my workout. Later that night I began to have a continuous ache in the same area of my right shoulder blade. It has not improved and I have not worked out since. The pain is in the

/"""'~egion of my right shoulder blade ld lower portion of my neck on the , ight side. What should I do?

A: One of the largest muscles in the body is the trapezius, which is a trapezoidal shaped muscle that runs. from the base of the skull, the neck and across to both shoulder blades. This muscle is commonly injured while lifting. Like any muscle, when it is injured. it tightens and becomes painful and stiff.

The reason why I believe your injury is muscular is because you do not describe pain or numbness_ra~-

DR. HARlAN SELESNICK

jockdoc69 '~aol.com

C.W. GRIFFINIHERALD FILE AT THE GYM: Give your body a rest if your trapezius tightens and becomes painful and stiff after lat pull down exercises,

ating into your arms or legs or mid­ line discomfort in your neck. Most . trapezial muscle strains can be treated with a period of rest, anti­ inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants and a gentle rehabilitation program aimed at decreasing the pain and spasms and improving normal mobility. When you are bet­ ter your therapist should also review your workout routine and

make modifications in an effort to prevent reinjury. I reco=end you see your family doctor or sports medicine specialist to confirm the diagnosis and get you back in the gym as quickly as possible.

Dr. Harlan Selesnick is-the Miami Heat physician. Write to him at jock­ doc69@aol.com or c/o Health, 1 Herald Plaza, Miami PL 33132.

DOCTORG

Change in test~cles could be sign of cancer

Q: I just checked my family jewels in the shower and I noticed a lump on one side. Should I

',wait to see what

GITTELMAN

physician or a urol­ ogist. You'll be examined and undergo a blood test and an ultra­ ~ nd to determine whether you

e something that may be suspi­ cious for a testicular cancer, which is diagnosed in a small percentage

ofmeo.

Men in their 20s and 30s are most vulnerable, but even men in their 50s can be diagnosed with a testicular tumor. New medical treatments with surgery (yes, sur­ gery), radiation and chemotherapy have boosted the cure rate for tes­ ticular cancer and now it's one of the most easily cured cancers in the body. But the earlier the tumor is found the easier the treatment is and the better chances for total cure.

My recommendation is for all men to do a self examination monthly to look for any changes in

their testicles. The shower is the best place for an exam because the hot water "relaxes" the scrotal sac and soapy water makes for a more sensitive exam to appreciate some of the subtle changes that can be felt in the texture of the testicles. One way to spice up this little diag­ nostic session is to teach your lover how to do this monthly ritual. But once you're both in the shower don't forget to do the exam! .

Dr. Marc Gittelman is a board certified urologist. Write to him at DrMcircGittelman@yahoo.com or c/o Health, 1 Herald Plaza, Miami FL33132.

LET'S TAlK

Be a good sport let your kid PlaY all sports

Q: My husband and I ar athletic and our 5-year-olc son shares our passion. My husband is in favor of help ing him pick one sport to specialize in. He believes this will put him in a better position to earn a scholar­ ship. I think our son should enjoy participating in different sports, I want him tc become well rounded athlete. Can you lend support for my side, as my husband thinks he knows best?

A: The American College of Sports Medicine, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Youth Sport Institute at Michigan State support your sentiments, Not one of these organizations is in faVOr of young children exclusively playing iust one sport, Young children shouid be encouraged to participate in a variety of sports and enjoy all of the benefits of being physically active plus learning good sportsmanship. At the youth sport level. it is more important children iearn basic fun' damentals. cooperate and respect their fellow teammates and coaches, handle adversity with poise and focus on trying one's best, When the focus shifts from hav· ing fun to having to excel, burnout or quitting can result, Summarizing: There is no evidence early sports specialization can guarantee later success, " According to sports medicine specialists, excessive and/or intensive training can lead to an increased risk of injuries. Youth sports encourage kids to try their best; it's not about being the best. if a child associates winning with being a winner, self-esteem plummets after a loss. Winning does not create a winner nor does losing create a loser. The focus should be on effort, not the outcome •• If parents push too hard, it can undermine a child's intrinsic motivation and decrease the desire to play, Studies estimate that nearly three­ fourths of the 25 million children who play youth sports drop out by age 13, Living vicariously through your child's athletic aspirations is problematic, There is no harm in dreaming together about his athletic future, but it is another matter to have unrealistic expectatIons, resulting in your child feeling loved only if he/she's successful. Help your husband separate his wishes and allow your son to have his own. If you both do your· best providing a ,nurturing and supportive (sports) environment, your child will grow up with the security he is a winner.

Dr. Andrea Corn is a licensed psycholo­ gist in Lighthouse Point. Write to her at cornpsyd@bellsouth.netorc/o Health, 7 Herald Plaza, Miami FL 33732.