This year we took a different approach. A few weeks ago my family and I were among 74 people who went to Tecate, Mexico to build homes for some of the poorest people in the world.

The trip was sponsored by the First Community Church and Akita International in conjunction with Amor Ministries.

It was an amazing week. We built a home for Alfredo and his family. Alfredo is currently not working because of a recent accident.Prior to his injuries, he made $65 a week. They have no electricity or running water. This is Alfredo’s home before we built him a new one.

Everyday we would awaken from our tents and head to the work site to watch the evolution of our constructed house. From the foundation to the frame and to the roof, it was hard work, but it didn’t matter because we knew our Mexican friends were so appreciative. We didn’t shower for over a week. We had no electricity and the toilet was a hole in the ground. This is how Alfredo and his family lived everyday of their lives.

By the end of the week, the house was completed. We handed over the keys to Alfredo and his family. It was very emotional for everyone. One of my kids commented, “they have none of the material things that we are fortunate to have, yet they seem so happy”.

I have been blessed to be able to experience some amazing vacations in my lifetime. This trip was unlike any other. We helped give a gift and got a huge gift in return. At times we were pushed to the limits of our comfort zones.

In the end, we were reminded how lucky we are and how rewarding it is to give to those much less fortunate than us.

One of the high school students on the trip said “this has changed my life forever”.

Here are some final thoughts from Albert Schweitzer,

“Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace.”

In 2007, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported:

-      139,330 injuries from skiing

-      160,000 injuries from sledding

-      133,550 from ice skating

-      53,200 from ice hockey

-      34,500 from snowmobiling

Tips for preventing injuries

1.Warm up and stretch prior to activity

2.Wear appropriate safety gear (helmet, goggles, and warm gear)

3.Get skilled instruction if you are a novice

4.Don’t drink alcohol with winter sport participation

5.Never participate alone

6.Unfortunately, many injuries happen on the last run of the day. When you are tired and sore, just stop and rest!

7.  Have equipment checked annually to make sure it is fully functional

8.  Avoid hazardous weather conditions

9.  Stay alert and have good common sense.

Be safe and have fun from OFAC.

3,000 die annually from falls at home. 30,000 people get injured yearly falling from ladders alone. By taking some simple safety tips, common injuries can be avoided while hanging Christmas decorations.

First, try to pick a day when the weather is less hazardous (not icy) when hanging outdoor lights. Give yourself ample time so you aren’t rushed. Make sure you have a stable and safe ladder. Always have a spotter and climb cautiously. Keep lights away from electric, phone, and cable lines. Be sure the lights are UL or ETL safety approved. It is also very important to wear good supportive shoes with traction.

Good luck and Happy Holidays from OFAC.

NOTRE DAME’S JIMMY CLAUSEN SUSTAINED THIS KIND OF INJURY EARLIER THIS FALL.

Turf toe injuries are graded based on the amount tearing (partial or complete) to the joint lining and ligaments as well as the degree of associated bone injury. Afflicted athletes may have difficulty with acceleration, change of direction, and jumping. Most players will recover in one to three months with rest, taping, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy and custom inserts. Fortunately, only the most severe turf toe injuries require surgery.

If you experience a turf toe injury that results in difficulty walking, pain with motion of the joint, and doesn’t improve with rest, schedule an exam with your local foot and ankle expert. An MRI will help determine the severity of your injury and the required treatment.

Take a look at this video featuring a local athlete and his turf toe injury experience.

For more in-depth information, you can check out the Turf Toe chapter we contributed to the new book, Foot and Ankle Surgery Operative Techniques.

Football season is also a special time for me because I am a team physician with Olentangy Liberty High School. This will be my sixth season with Olentangy and each year I look more forward to working with the kids, meeting their families and supporting our young athletes. I’m perhaps most excited about our season opener because it pairs two of Ohio’s best football programs – Olentangy and my current hometown Dublin Coffman. Olentangy and Dublin will clash in the Herbstreit Classic at Ohio Stadium. The game will air on ESPNU on August 30 at noon; or you can join us live by purchasing tickets at www.ticketweb.com.

As a team physician I work with the coaches and trainers pre-game to ensure warm-ups and stretching prevent injury. We monitor the athletes during the game to understand the way their bodies move and what pressures are being put on their bones and joints and of course after the game to ice, heat, stretch and heal their muscles to strengthen for the next week. If there is an injury, we nurture, treat and heal as necessary. As a team physician my goal is to be a part of the team so when they do need me I am there to work with the athlete, their parents and coaches. 

This is truly my favorite time of the year and I hope you join me in the excitement of football season. Naturally, if you don’t make it to the game or catch it on ESPNU, we’ll fill you in on who won and which of our student athletes raised the bar of high school football at the Herbstreit Classic.