Slam Dunk

Dallas Mavs and Scottish Rite for Children partnership is a slam dunk

When it comes to sports injuries, the best offense is a good defense. That's why the Dallas Mavericks have teamed up with Scottish Rite for Children. Together, the all-star alliance provides young athletes with the tools they need to excel on and off the court.

"It's important for athletes to develop healthy habits because it will allow them to play the game longer," says Dr. Henry B. Ellis, pediatric orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon at Scottish Rite for Children. "In addition, they have more fun, feel better while they play, and will likely be a better competitor."

Scottish Rite for Children has been the official health partner for the Mavs Basketball Academy for the past three years. This year, they launched "Warm Up the RITE Way," a program that includes exercises hand-selected by sports physical therapists to help athletes — both beginner and advanced — build a proper foundation.

Knee and ankle injuries are the most common among basketball players, and most of the time, they are preventable with proper education for kids, parents, and coaches. The Dallas Mavericks integrated "Warm Up the RITE Way" into the beginning of its Hoop and Development Camps this summer, where hundreds of athletes were taught fundamentals to help them keep playing for as long as they want — even all the way to the NBA.

By teaching players how to move correctly and engage the right muscles before playing, Scottish Rite for Children and the Mavs hope to make an impact before they are injured and need treatment.

"These habits really start off the court, with developing a healthy sleep routine, learning how food fuels the body for sports, and staying hydrated well before the game," says Ellis.

In addition to "Warm Up the RITE Way," the Mavs and Scottish Rite for Children are educating families of young athletes on topics such as overuse injuries, balance, nutrition, and hydration. The goal is to help young and growing athletes develop strong muscles, joints, and bones and a lifestyle that helps kids stay on the court and off the bench.

Ready for some info right now? Scottish Rite for Children and Mavs guard J.J. Barea surprised players at Mavs Hoop Camp this summer for a fun game of horse and tips to continue playing the "RITE" way. Click here to learn more.

The groups are teaming up to make sure kids develop healthy habits early.

Photo courtesy of Scottish Rite for Children

The groups are teaming up to make sure kids develop healthy habits early.

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Avian Flu News

Wildlife authorities now find avian flu in mammals in Texas Panhandle

Photo by Katie Oxford

Raccoon in a trap.

The avian flu creeps closer and closer: According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), recent testing has detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in mammal species in Texas including foxes, raccoons, striped skunks, and domestic cats located in the Texas panhandle in Deaf Smith, Hansford, Lubbock, Ochiltree, Parmer and Randall Counties.

These detections were found via a collaboration between TPWD, the Department of State Health Services Zoonosis Control branch, and the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab.

They follow similar discoveries in wild birds across Texas, with recent detections in Amarillo, El Paso, Galveston, Harris, Lubbock, Potter, Travis, and Wharton counties.

HPAI has now been detected in all 50 states across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. It's a highly contagious zoonotic virus that transmits easily among wild and domestic birds. It can spread directly between animals and indirectly through environmental contamination.

For mammals, transmission occurs primarily through consumption of infected animal carcasses, although mammal-to-mammal transmission is possible.

Signs of HPAI in mammals can vary based on species but can include ataxia (incoordination, stumbling), tremors, seizures, lack of fear of people, lethargy, runny or crusty eyes and nose, coughing and sneezing, or sudden death.

TPWD recommends wildlife rehabilitators remain cautious when intaking wild animals with clinical signs consistent with HPAI to limit the potential for exposures to other animals within the facility.

They're still insisting that the risk of avian influenza from infected birds being transmitted to people remains low, but people should take basic protective measures (i.e., wearing gloves, face masks and handwashing) if they must make contact with wild animals.

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