Appearance - "Spit tobacco" products are available in a variety of flavors and strengths, in two main forms: Snuff - cured, ground tobacco sold moist or blended to a powder-like consistency. Chewing Tobacco - cured, stemless leaves sold as a plug, twist, and whole leaf tobacco. Actions/Effects - The active ingredient in all spit tobacco products is nicotine - a central nervous system stimulant absorbed via the mucous membranes in the mouth. Physical effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure. and decreased appetite. Subjective effects are similar to those produced by smoking and can include feelings of relaxation and alertness. Duration - Effects of nicotine peak within 20 minutes of use. Risks and Side Effects - Common side effects of spit tobacco include bad breath, tooth loss and discoloration, and inflammation of soft tissues in the mouth. Long-term use significantly raises the risk of oral cancer. Short-term use may even pose risks of its own, as recent studies have shown precancerous lesions in nearly half of current teenage users. Abuse/Addiction Potential - Nicotine is highly addictive, whether it's delivered to the body through chewing tobacco or cigarette smoke. Symptoms of withdrawal typically include anxiety, restlessness, irritability, impaired concentration, and increased appetite. NCAA Tobacco Ban - The use of tobacco products by a student-athlete is prohibited during practice or competition. A student-athlete who uses tobacco during practice or competition will be disqualified for the remainder of that practice or competition. The use of tobacco products by coaches and game officials is also prohibited. NCAA Championship Policy - Tobacco use by any individuals on the field of play, as well as other championship activities - such as banquets, autograph sessions, media conferences, and post-game interviews - is prohibited. Further, in the sport of baseball, dugouts are considered to be on the "field of play." Violations of this policy will be dealt with by the sports committee at the site of the championship. Further Information and Materials - For further educational materials concerning spit tobacco, please call 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237). Reprinted with permission from the NCAA
In an effort to provide on-going pertinent information for today's athletics trainer, the First Aider periodically provides an educational Trainer's Tip. The following Wrist Cord taping technique instructional piece was submitted by Colleen McCready, ATC, 2001 graduate of Arizona State University in Tempe, with a B.S. in Exercise Science. McCready is currently serving as a graduate assistant athletic trainer at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa; she is working on a M.A. in Health Studies, with a program option in Sports Medicine Health Care. Wrist Cord Taping Technique The Wrist Cord taping technique can be used to limit excessive movements (hyperflexion and hyperextension) of the wrist. This technique is best utilized for wrist sprains and situations of chronic wrist irritation. The anatomical structures relevant to the Wrist Cord taping technique are the radial collateral and ulnar collateral ligaments. Supplies needed to apply the technique include underwrap and 1.5 inch athletic tape. Taping Procedure: 1. Position the elbow flexed to 90 degrees, wrist pronated, and fingers in a neutral position. 2. Apply underwrap to wrist beginning 1-2 inches proximal to the ulnar styloid process and ending just distally to the ulnar styloid process. 3. Beginning proximal and ending distal to the ulnar styloid process, apply 1.5 inch adhesive tape in strips over the underwrap overlapping each previous strip by half. (see Figure 1) 4. After applying distal strip, DO NOT RIP THE TAPE, instead allow the tape to unroll downward approximately 10-12 inches. Then, spin the tape in circles numerous times until it resembles a cord. (see Figure 2) 5. Pull the cord securely around the wrist just distal to the ulnar styloid process circling the wrist twice. DO NOT OVERLAP THE TWO CORDS. Place one in front of the other. One set of cords is sufficient. (see Figure 3) Always be aware of circulation issues by checking for pulse, discoloration, and swelling in the hand. 6. Do not rip the tape, continue by applying a loose, continuous layer covering the cords and continuing proximally until reaching the initial starting point. (see Figure 4) References 1. Arnheim DD, Prentice WE. Principles of Athletic Training, 10th edition, Boston, MA: McGraw Hill; 2000. 2. Birrer RB, Poole B. Athletic Taping (part 5): The Wrist, Thumb, and Fingers. Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine. 1996; 5:48-50. 3. Wright KE, Whitehill WR. The Comprehensive Manual of Taping and Wrapping Techniques 2nd edition, Gardner, KS: Cramer Products Inc.; 1996.
For the past 85 years, Cramer Products has been at the forefront of education and instruction for athletic trainers. Beginning with the 2003 Summer edition of the First Aider, Cramer Products will provide a comprehensive list of upcoming athletic trainer camps, educational workshops and industry seminars. The posting will include basic session information, along with contact methods, registration requirements and participation criteria. In the future, you will be able to submit your camp, workshop or seminar via Cramer's web site, but in the mean time, you can use the "fax back" sheet provided below. Click on "Print Story" to utilize the Event Listing "Fax Back" Form. Please provide concise information about your event. Cramer Products reserves the right to select appropriate athletic trainer camps, workshops and seminars, and to edit the submitted information for clarity. Cramer Event Listing "FAX BACK" Form: Name of Camp, Workshop or Seminar: Date(s) and Times: Location (City and Meeting Facility): Event Sponsor or Underwriter: Key Presenter(s): Brief Description (25 words or less) of Event Topic(s): Is the Event Accredited by the NATA, CAAHEP or other industry association? Participation Criteria: Registration Deadline: Registration Process: Toll-Free Phone Number? Internet Registration? Cost of Participation: Your Name: Your Organizational Affiliation: Your Daytime Phone Number: Your E-Mail Address: FAX this Form to 913-884-5626 Attention: "Cramer Event Listing"
The nation's oldest collegiate basketball tournament - the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship - is staged annually in Kansas City, Missouri. As it has since the tournament's origination in 1937, Cramer Products was pleased to support the annual collegiate athletic extravaganza. This year's tournament took place March 26-April 1, 2003, at historic Municipal Auditorium. The tournament features 32 NAIA teams from all across the country; a total of 31 games are played over a seven-day period in nine separate sessions, culminating in the emergence of an NAIA national champion. The Frank Cramer Award, inaugurated in 1963, is presented annually to a person who has made major contributions to the NAIA tournament over a period of years. This year's winner of the Frank Cramer Award was Joe McGuff, long-time sports columnist for the Kansas City Star. McGuff worked for the newspaper for nearly 35 years; his column (the "Sporting Comment") ran for 20 years (1966-86) and was one of the best read and most admired sports columns in America. In his early years as a sports reporter, McGuff was the Star's sole reporter covering the NAIA tournament. Chris Waldeck, Cramer's vice president of marketing, presented the Frank Cramer Award to McGuff's son, Bill. McGuff was unable to attend the tournament due to current health challenges. Cramer also sponsored the first-ever "Tape Off" competition for visiting athletic trainers at the tournament's Tip-Off Rally. Lance Ringhausen,athletic trainer from McKendree College in Lebanon, Illinois, won the ankle wrapping competition; Richard Bobier, athletic trainer from Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, was runner-up. In recognition of their "Tape Off" success, Ringhausen and Bobier received Cramer athletic training supplies of their choice. Cramer Products also participated in the NAIA's unique Honorary Coaches program,and was paired with the Senators from Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama. The AUM squad was participating in its third straight NAIA basketball tournament. During AUM's visit to the Kansas City area, Cramer hosted the team at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. John "Buck" O'Neil, a former all-star with the Kansas City Monarchs baseball team, visited with AUM players and coaches. Cramer Products is the NAIA tournament's original corporate sponsor. In fact, Frank Cramer and James Naismith first discussed the prospect of originating a small college basketball tournament in Kansas City over Cramer's kitchen table in Gardner, Kansas. This year's thrilling championship game was won in overtime by Concordia University from Irvine, California, by a score of 88-84, over Mountain State University, of Beckley, West Virginia.
