At SIRC You Learn Something New Every Day!

The SIRC Collection receives new publications everyday and it is always exciting to see what new research and fun facts are being published. It is very common to hear one of the SIRC Staff start a sentence with “Did you know…” As we come to the end of 2009 here are a few items that have completed the “Did you know…” sentence.

• About 25% of athletic trainers use pickle juice to treat muscle cramps. Some report, that 1 to 2oz (30-6- mL) of pickle juice relieves cramps within 35 seconds. The mechanism is illusive because rapid relief must mean that pickle juice empties from the stomach very quickly, yet a gastric-emptying study with pickle juice indicates it empties very slowly from the stomach.


• Simply rinsing the mouth with sports drink helps runners run faster. After an overnight fast (13-15h without food) and before and during a 1-hour run, 10 trained runners rinsed their mouth for 5 seconds with a sports drink, and then spit it out. With the sports drink mouth rinse; they were able to run 365 meters longer during the hour.


• A study of 634 nutrition supplements indicated that about 15% contained a banned substance, even though the supplement came from a factory that did not manufacture the banned substances (i.e. steroids, ephedrine). The products most likely to be contaminated with illegal compounds include bodybuilding supplements and weight loss products.

If you liked these did you knows make sure that you check out the SIRC Newsletters! Not only do they have a Did you know … section but they contain many interesting articles from the SIRC Collection.

Feel Great this Winter!

Check out the lastest SIRC Newsletter -Feel Great this Winter!

Now that the holiday season has come to a close we look ahead to the enjoyment of winter time activities over the next few months. We all know the physical benefits of exercise but did you know that exercise and physical activity have been proven to have a positive impact on mental and emotional health? Although any type of physical activity is good, aerobic exercise is generally the most recommended. So the next time you need an energy boost, why not lace up your shoes and get moving!

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/mid-jan10/index.html

2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter -2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics!

With the 2010 Winter Olympic Games starting this week in Vancouver, Olympic fever is upon us. It is hard to walk down the street without seeing someone wearing the famous red mittens or open the paper and not see stories about the Vancouver Olympics. These Games are sure to be an action packed two weeks but what will make the Vancouver Olympic Games stick out? Not only have they created what they claim to be the fastest speed skating and luge tracks … ever, they have also created the most sophisticated and comprehensive anti-doping programs yet. It does not end there! VANOC is hoping to pull off the “greenest” Games so far by including initiatives such as planting two trees for every tree that was cut down during the preparation for the Games. So put on your Canadian colours, cheer on our athletes and make these the best Games ever.

SIRC would like to wish all athletes good luck at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics!

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/february10/index.html

2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympics

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter -2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympics!

With the completion of a very successful 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics the world's focus now shifts to the 2010 Vancouver Paralympic Games held from March 12 – 21, 2010. These games will go down in history for Canada as the first every Paralympic Games to be held in Canada. Canada will host 1350 athletes and teams officials (110 Canadian) from 44 countries competing in 5 sports.

SIRC would like to wish all athletes good luck at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympic Games!

Continue Reading: http://sirc.ca/newsletters/march10/index.html

2009 Sport Canada Research Initiative Conference

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter -2009 Sport Canada Research Initiative Conference!

The third annual Sport Canada Research Initiative (SCRI) conference which was held in Ottawa on November 4, 2009 was a tremendous success. In all over 150 researchers, sport administrators, policy makers and sport enthusiasts attended the conference. The annual conference is a great opportunity to share knowledge and expertise with a view to maximizing the practical applications of sport participation research, more specifically to better evidence the benefits of, and barriers to, quality sport participation with the aim of improving Canadian sport policy outcomes. Be sure to check out the SCRI Conference video for a full recap.

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/mid-march10/index.html

SIRC Newsletter -Drink Up!

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter -Drink Up!

Did you know that chocolate milk provides excellent muscle recovery, or cherry juice helps with aches and pains, or that excessive cola consumption can lead to problems with your muscles? We have heard how important it is to stay hydrated when exercising, but there is more to it than fluid intake. Of equal importance is what you drink and when you drink it. Different beverages have been proven to aid in recovery, help with cramps, boost energy and keep you hydrated. But if you drink them at the wrong time during your workout, you may actually be hurting your performance.

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/april10/index.html

SIRC Newsletter -Exercise Induced Asthma

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter on Exercise Induced Asthma!

Do you find yourself coughing, wheezing and short of breath when exercising? Athletes and exercisers are finding themselves breathless due to more than just exertion. Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is becoming more prevalent in both asthmatics and non-asthmatics. Unlike regular asthma, which is usually triggered by allergens, allergies or irritants, EIA is triggered by exercise and vigorous activity. Exercise-Induced Asthma is treatable and does not mean that you can’t exercise. According to the Canadian Lung Association “As long as your asthma is under control, exercising is recommended to keep your lungs and body in good shape”.

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/mid-april10/index.html

Nutrition

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter -Nutrition!

Every athlete, coach and parent should know that what you fuel your body with, and when, has a direct impact on athletic performance. Whether you are competing on the road or training at home, nutrition is crucially important for conditioning, recovery from fatigue after exertion, as well as for injury prevention.

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/may10/index.html

Compression Garments

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter on -Compression Garments!
Compression garments were originally designed for therapeutic medical use, especially for those suffering from circulatory conditions. However, over the years researchers have come to observe that there could be benefits to wearing compression garments while exercising and participating in sports. Benefits range from muscle fatigue and power production to circulation, even injury prevention and recovery. Although there is still research to be done this area, findings could change athletic attire forever.

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/june10/index.html

SIRC at the CASM-OMA Sport Medicine Conference

Being highlighted at two pre-conference workshops, SIRC started off the CASM Conference with a bang.

First, Reference Librarian, Brandie Adams spoke about membership during the Osteoarthritis Workshop Wednesday morning. Then, the article “The Sport Specific Movement Assessment” by Bruce Craven published in SIRCuit was highlighted during the Injury Prevention session. In the evening, Nancy Rebel and Brandie Adams were on hand to answer questions for CASM delegates ranging from how to log in, to what publications are in the SIRC Collection. Everyone loved that they could email or call one of the SIRC librarians and information specialists. It was great to hear how many people are familiar with SIRC and enjoy the SIRC Newsletters.

If you would like to visit SIRC at the CASM Conference we are located at booth 221-223 in the Metro East ballroom at the Westin Harbour Castle. Located next to the compression garment. booth which ironically is the topic of the latest newsletter!

CASM Sport Medicine Conference Concludes

SIRC concluded a successful trip to the CASM Sport Medicine Conference held in Toronto. Nancy Rebel and Amanda Street-Bishop represented SIRC on the final day of exhibits and were please to speak with many attendees. Professionals representing the sport medicine, chiropractic and physical therapy fields were pleased to find out about the SIRC services available to them. Particularly well received was the twice-monthly newsletter and access to the SIRC Librarians and Information Specialists to assist in their research needs.

Subjects of interest discussed with the attendees included:

• Concussions
• Aquatic Therapy
• Heat Exhaustion Recovery
• Injury Rehabilitation
• H1N1 and Swimming

SIRC is delighted to be working with the Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine (CASM) to be providing their members access to the latest in sports science and practitioner resources.

Soccer

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter -Soccer!

It seems everywhere you look these days you’re surrounded by soccer. Not only is it possibly the most popular grassroots sport, but soccer also has one of the biggest international sporting events. Have you ever stopped to consider how either a player or a coach gets from the grassroots level to the international stage? Here are a few things to think about: what makes a great soccer coach? Are soccer coaches looking for more than just your ability to play the game? What can I do to prevent injuries while playing? Should I just train my body or my mind too? Another great way to improve your soccer skills is to take in a Canadian National Team Event and learn from some of Canada's best players.

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/mid-june10/index.html

Sportsmanship and Fair Play!

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter - Sportsmanship and Fair Play!

Sportsmanship is something simple, visible, tangible and attainable. It’s when teammates, opponents, coaches and officials treat each other with respect. When everyone shares a mutual respect for the game it’s easy to see the benefits that participants in sports gain about fair play, courtesy and grace in loosing. Sportsmanship is a learned behavior, and it’s important that all coaches, officials and parents model, teach and lead by example. Over the last decade studies have shown that there has been a decline in sportsmanship and that professional and collegiate athletes only care about winning. With this trend, shouldn’t good sportsmanship be at the forefront just as much as fundamental movement skills when teaching sport?

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/july10/index.html

Master Athletes

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter on Master Athletes!

A Master Athlete is anyone over the age of 35 and competitive. As baby boomers age the number of athletes competing later in life will be on the rise. Age group events become the new challenge as there is the chance every few years to be at the top of your game and still blow away most of the competition like running a sub-3hr marathon at age 70. Master Athletes are awe-inspiring but have different needs that should be recognized. If you are not ready to hang in your competitive hat check out how to tweak your program to stay at the top of your game well into the golden years!

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/august10/index.html

Volunteers

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter on Volunteers!

Recruiting, selection, references, training, recognition and retention is just as important with volunteers as it would be with paid employees. Often recruiting volunteers is a major hurdle faced by organizations. Why not try looking at the older or younger generations for a new pool of recruits? It is important to remember a proper background check is essential when someone wants to volunteer and this becomes critical when they will be working with children. Don’t forget this vital step just because the labour is free. Finally, work with your volunteers to ensure they have enough training. This will also help determine what keeps them motivated and happy, ensuring they continue to volunteer with your organization.

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/september10/index.html

Physical Education and Physical Literacy

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter on Physical Education and Physical Literacy!

Attention towards understanding youth physical fitness in relation to health has developed in the last few years. With this in mind, educators are seeking a curriculum with a vision of building physical and health literacy. Students need to be experiencing programs that are more engaging, energizing and personally enriching. Better quality physical education is likely to change the health-related behaviours and attitudes of students, as well as those of their families and communities. Physical literacy is a term that is not always easy to understand. Physical and Health Education Canada defines being physically literate as: an individual who moves with competence in a wide variety of physical activities that benefit the development of the whole person. Physically literate individuals are able to demonstrate a variety of movements confidently, competently, creatively and strategically across a wide range of health related physical activities.

http://sirc.ca/newsletters/october10/index.html

SIRC at the PHE /Ophea Conference

The Exhibit Hall at the Ophea/PHE Conference was bustling with activity last week. At the SIRC booth Brandie Adams and Michele Walker were onsite to answer questions. The SIRC Newsletters were a hot commodity. The latest issue was Physical Education and Physical Literacy containing fifteen full text articles. The newsletters change topics every few weeks and are a great way to keep up to date on topics. Previous newsletters have included, volunteering, sport parents, concussion and nutrition. They are great for everyone, especially if you are on the go and want to save time. Signing up for them is easy (and free).

Many other groups came up to talk with us as well so we were able to learn about many great programs that are going on including:

• Environment Canada providing a weather radio to all schools
• Run for Life a free program encouraging youth to be active through running
• KinBall and JumpStart partnering to provide kits for schools to start the sport
• Canadian SADS Foundation providing seminars to raise awareness of Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes

It was a fantastic time and we’re looking forward to blogging more about some of the things we learned.

Get Out & Enjoy Winter!

Check out the latest SIRC Newsletter on getting out & enjoying winter!

Welcome to 2011! Winter is one of the best seasons to enjoy all the wonders Canada has to offer. Whether you like skiing or snowshoeing, skating or tobogganing, getting outside and being active will make you feel better both physically and mentally. If you need a little motivation to break away from the comfy warm couch, grab a friend and set some goals. Remember that a little prep work before you earn your rosy cheeks will ensure your muscles are ready, you’re dressed properly and your equipment gives you maximum enjoyment. Have fun outside and think about how great you’ll feel after that workout!

http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/january11/index.html

SIRC Newsletter - Coaching

Whether you are a grassroots or high performance coach, in the boardroom or in the field, this is an excellent time to think about your coaching style. When is the last time you thought about your coaching philosophy, evaluated guidelines or policies related to your work or took a coaching education course? There are great national and provincial associations out there to help you like Coaches of Canada, Coaching Association of Canada, Coaches Association of British Columbia, and Coaches Association of Ontario. As well as upcoming events this Fall such as the SPIN Summit and the Petro-Canada Sport Leadership Conference.

For more information check out the SIRC Newsletter online!