This Helps Lower Your Risk of Summer Sports Injuries

Here are 9 tips that make it less likely you’ll get hurt while playing your favorite sports.

There’s something about summer that makes people want to move more. Neighborhood basketball courts stay busy late into the evening, families head out for bike rides after dinner and weekend softball games and pickleball matches fill local parks. But along with all that activity comes a higher chance of getting hurt.

Every summer, doctors see more sprains, pulled muscles and overuse injuries from people jumping into activities too quickly or pushing themselves harder than their bodies are ready for. The good news is that many of these injuries can be prevented by adopting a few simple habits.

Here are some ways to help lower your risk of summer sports injuries:

1. Ease into activity slowly. A lot of injuries happen when people try to do too much too fast. If you haven’t played a sport or exercised regularly in a while, start slowly and build up your time and intensity over several weeks.
2. Strength train regularly. Strong muscles help support and protect your joints. Exercises that strengthen the legs, core and shoulders may help lower the risk of strains, knee injuries and unexpected injuries.
3. Work on flexibility and balance. Stretching regularly and doing balance exercises may improve stability and coordination, which can help prevent falls and twisted ankles.
4. Warm up before you start moving. It can be tempting to jump right into a game or workout, especially when you’re short on time. But cold muscles are more likely to get strained or pulled. Spend five to ten minutes walking or jogging lightly before playing sports or exercising.
5. Wear the right shoes and safety gear. Ankle sprains are one of the most common summer sports injuries, especially during activities like basketball, pickleball and soccer. Supportive shoes that fit well (and are tied tightly!) can help protect your feet and ankles. Helmets, pads, mouthguards and other protective gear are also important for biking, skateboarding and contact sports.
6. Pay attention to the playing surface. Uneven grass, wet pavement or loose gravel can lead to falls and twisted ankles. Take a quick look at the area before you start playing.
7. Stay hydrated in the heat. Hot weather can wear your body down faster than you realize. When you become dehydrated, you may feel weak, dizzy or less coordinated, which can increase your risk or falls and injuries. Drink water before, during and after activity, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
8. Don’t ignore pain. A lot of people try to push through pain, but pain is often your body’s warning sign that something is wrong. Continuing to play through it can make a minor injury much worse. Stop and rest if you notice swelling, sharp pain or trouble moving normally.
9. Take breaks when you need them. Overuse injuries can happen when the same muscles and joints are stressed over and over without enough recovery time. Problems like tennis elbow, swimmer’s shoulder and shin splints are especially common during the summer.

Summer sports and outdoor activities are a great way to stay healthy and have fun. By taking a few extra precautions, you can lower the risk of injury so you can spend more time being active and on your game.

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Lymes Disease- what you need to know

Ellett Memorial Hospital is continuing our tick education series this week with: Lyme Disease - What You Need to Know!

Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through the bite of infected blacklegged (deer) ticks. It is highly curable with early antibiotic treatment, but can lead to long-term health issues if left untreated.

Transmission:

Ticks need to be attached for >24 hours and begin filling with blood before they can transmitLyme disease bacteria.

Signs & Symptoms: Include an expanding skin rash, fatigue, chills & fever, headache, muscle & joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes.

Diagnosis: Most available blood tests measure antibodies made in response to infection, which can take several weeks to appear in the blood. People who have been infected for longer than 6 weeks will almost always test positive, but people infected for shorter periods may not. Once produced, antibodies normally remain detectable in the blood for months or years after the patient has recovered. Healthcare providers should treat patients for Lyme disease promptly if the patient has a history of recent exposure to tick bites and signs and symptoms of early Lyme disease, such as erythema migrans.

Treatment: People treated with appropriate antibiotics in the early stages of Lyme disease usually recover rapidly and completely. The antibiotics most commonly used to treat Lyme disease include doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime axetil. Early diagnosis and proper antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease can help prevent more severe disease.

Untreated Lymes Disease: If Lyme disease is left undiagnosed or untreated for months or years, the bacteria can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system, causing arthritis, cognitive deficits, peripheral neuropathy, and inflammation of the heart muscle.

Please make an appointment with your primary care provider if you are concerned about Lyme Disease.

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Attention 4-H'ers

One week left to apply for the 2026 MFA Saddle Award!

Are you 14-18 with an passion for the equine industry? Apply now to represent Missouri 4-H and MFA throughout the next year sharing your passions.

Link to register - https://missouri.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8AfUv17xuPualgO

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La Cygne Police Department accepts much needed donation

The La Cygne Police Department is proud to announce the donation of a 14" x 24" Mini Ballistic Shield from the United States Deputy Sheriff's Association (USDSA).

A ballistic shield is designed to provide officers with an added layer of protection during dangerous situations and serious threats. While we hope it is never needed, having this lifesaving equipment readily available can make a critical difference when responding to emergencies.

In a small town police department, officers are often the first to arrive on scene and may have to act before additional law enforcement resources become available. This compact shield is small enough to be carried in a patrol vehicle, allowing officers to quickly deploy it to help protect themselves, assist injured victims, evacuate civilians, or safely approach a dangerous situation until additional help arrives.

We are incredibly grateful to the United States Deputy Sheriff's Association for their generous donation and continued support of all law enforcement agencies. Their commitment helps equip officers with the tools needed to safely serve and protect our community.

Thank you, USDSA, for investing in the safety of both our officers and the citizens of La Cygne.

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Ellett Memorial July Employee of the Month, Katie Koshko

Please join us in celebrating our July Employee of the Month, Katie Koshko! Katie serves at our Outpatient Clinic Manager and received two glowing nominations for employee of the month:

"I would like to formally recognize this individual for their exceptional growth, leadership, and dedication in their role. Over the past year, they has not only grown into their position – they has elevated it. Despite numerous challenges and unexpected obstacles, they have consistently demonstrated resilience, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the mission of Ellett Memorial Hospital. They have developed into a strong, steady leader who supports the high quality of care we strive to provide every day. Under their guidance, our services have continued to grow, allowing us to expand and provide more care options directly to the community. This growth is a direct reflection of their initiative, organization, and ability to support both staff and providers while maintaining a patient-centered focus. This individual embodies the values of teamwork, accountability, and service excellence. Their leadership has strengthened our operations and contributed meaningfully to the positive directions of our hospital."

"I would like to nominate this team member for Employee of the Month for the exceptional care and support they provided. They went above and beyond to ensure I was fully taken care of, showing a level of professionalism, kindness, and dedication that truly stood out. Their genuine concern made a meaningful difference, and I felt supported every step of the way. They consistently checked in, anticipated needs, and made it clear that they were committed to making sure everything was handled smoothly. Their hard work, compassion, and steady guidance reflect the very best of our team. I am deeply grateful for the incredible job they did, and I believe their efforts deserve to be recognized and celebrated."

Congratulations Katie! We are so thankful to have you as part of our Ellett family! Thank you for all you do!

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Miami County Wanted Wednesday

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Results from Cass Career Center FFA Chapter District FFA Fair

The Cass Career Center FFA Chapter had a very successful District FFA Fair, July 6-7, at the Saline County Fairgrounds. Over 114 student projects were exhibited during the two-day fair against entries from 71 other FFA Chapters across West Central Missouri. In total, the Chapter placed 7th overall amongst the 71 schools in the district

In the Swine Show, senior Taylor Kanoy received 2 gold ribbons for her gilt and barrow. In the Sheep Show, Schyler Gates received a gold for his ewe lamb.

In the Rabbit Show, senior Marissa Hayes earned 3 gold ribbons and was Champion in the Silver Martin breed. Taylor Kanoy received 2 gold ribbons and was Champion in the Holland Lop breed. Taylor also received 2 gold ribbons in the Poultry Show with her ducks.

The Chapter received the Chapter Sweepstakes Award in the Ham and Bacon Show. Receiving a Gold on their ham was Addilynn Engelhardt, Alexa Shelton, Allie Hubler, Amara Carver, Avery Spangler, Brayden Roper, Brylynn Billings, Caleb Bebout, Erica Nash,

Isaac Tews, Ismael Hernandez, Kaden Franklin, Katherine Jenisch, Klyde Webb, Preslee Morris, and Zoie Bailey. Webb had the Reserve Champion Ham at the Fair.

Receiving a Silver ribbon for their ham were Alanna Frost, David Melzer, Emily Munoz Evans, Emma Reece, Kaylee Wuerfele, Lucas Marcusson, Michaela Becker, Molly Melzer, Morgan Obermiller,

Nathan Baker, Schyler Gates, and Taylor Kanoy.

Receiving a Bronze ribbon for their ham were Caden Vandenberg,

Gabe Schroeder, Jackson Daniel, Kayne Douglas, and Rileigh Shaw.

In the Ag Mechanics division, the FFA Chapter placed 2nd overall. Those receiving a Gold ribbon for their Ag Mech projects included Addie Knox, Addilynn Engelhardt, Addy Fisher, Alexa Shelton, Brantley Cleveland, Charleigh Atkinson-Wilson, David Melzer, Eli Mayberry, Franklin Bennett, Kadyn Cleveland, Kinley Brockman, Klyde Webb, Mallory Myler, Mia Mullin, Nathan Baker, Tucker Rushly, and Valen White.

Receiving a Silver ribbon with their Ag Mechanics projects were Aaron Osborn, Adaline Miller, Adam Danforth, Adrienna Linstrom,

Alex Bollinger, Bella Huhs, Bentley Calvin, Braden Taylor, Braxton Warren, Brayden Roper, Brenya Rinehart, Broddy Fletcher, Caleb BeBout, Casey Randazzo, Cayden Gipson, Conner Peterman, Emily Munoz Evans, Gabe Schroeder, Grant Shoemaker, Isaac Tews, Ismael Hernandez, Jaida Siems, Jaycee Saling, Kaylee Wuerfele, Kayne Douglas, Kinleigh Janes, Lucas Grah, Michael McCain, Miles Stevens, Morgan Obermiller, Ryiahn Schlesselman, Sianna Schoenemann, Summer Ford, Tristen Bofenkamp, Wyatt Duncan, Xander Anderson, and Zoie Bailey.

Receiving a Bronze ribbon with their Ag Mechanics projects were Addyson Saunders, Alivia Giesbrecht, Caden Vandenberg, Cassidy Stewart, Clayton Wood, Emma Beckemeier, Farrah Fannery, Jacob Graeve, Kaden Franklin, Landon Sloan, Lason Heaper, Lexi Martin, Lucas Marcusson, Riley Uselton, Ruben Alvarez, Wesley Howser, and Zavier Aker Haynie.

Students will continue to show their projects throughout the summer at the Missouri State Fair, Cass County Junior Livestock Show, and the Cass County Fair.

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Highlights from the Bates County Fair parade