ST. JOSEPH – Back-to-school time means a return to school sports for many youngsters.

However, with all the benefits of participating in sports come the risks of injuries and other health issues.

To help local parents prepare for the fall sports season, Lakeland HealthCare is hosting a free program, “Parents, Keep Your Athlete Healthy.” The event will take place on Wednesday, August 12, in the Frederick S. Upton Education Center at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, 1234 Napier Avenue, St. Joseph.
Registration will open at 6:00 p.m., and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Featured speakers include Dr. Frederick Johansen, medical director of the Berrien County Health Department and pediatrician with Southwestern Medical Clinic. From 6:30 to 7:00 p.m., Dr. Johansen will discuss sports dermatology issues, including prevention and treatment of common athletic skin conditions.

From 7 to 7:30 p.m., Dr. Peter Spencer, neurologist with Berrien Regional Associates in Neurology, will speak about closed head injuries and concussion.

Attendees will learn to identify the symptoms of concussion, and how to determine when young athletes can return to play.
From 7:30 to 8 p.m., Dr. Kenneth Edwards, orthopaedic surgeon with Southwest Michigan Center for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, will present an orthopaedic sports medicine update. Topics will include knee, elbow, and shoulder anatomy, common injuries, surgeries, and recovery.

Throughout the program, attendees will also hear from Phil Jasheway, Dan Tinkey, and Bob Taylor, athletic trainers from Lakeland Rehabilitation Services.

For the last half-hour of the event, from 8:00 to 8:30 p.m., parents will have the opportunity to discuss their questions with the featured speakers and other local physicians during an open panel. Advance registration for this free event is required.

For more information or to register for this free program, call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544.