All Articles by Brooke de Lench

Buyer Beware (Part 1): Claims That Equipment Can Prevent Concussions Too Good To Be True

It seems that not a day goes by without news about a new product that supposedly reduces the risk of concussion.

Almost invariably, it turns out that the manufacturer's claims are not supported by peer-reviewed scientific evidence.  But that doesn't seem to stop most of them, until, at least, their claims attract the attention of the Federal Trade Commission. Youth football game at line of scrimmage

It seems that not a day goes by without news about a product that supposedly reduces the risk of concussion. Almost invariably, it turns out that the manufacturer's claims are not supported by peer-reviewed scientific evidence.  But that doesn't seem to stop most of them, at least until their claims attract the attention of the FTC.

FTC Says No Proof That Mouthguard Reduces Concussion Risk: Not Surprising To MomsTEAM

For years, it seems, MomsTEAM has been getting e-mails from mouth guard manufacturers touting their products as reducing the risk of concussion, despite the lack of any peer-reviewed scientific studies to support their claims.  Three youth football players watching action

The announcement by the Federal Trade Commission that claims by mouthguard manufacturer Brain-Pad that its product reduced the risk of concussion are not supported by the scientific evidence is just what I have been saying for years.

Concussion Apps For Smartphones

There are at least 20 smartphone applications on sports concussions. Evaluating the apps strictly from the standpoint of their usefulness for parents, here's how they stack up and whether they are worth downloading (updated).

Athletes' Resistance To Self-Reporting of Concussion Continues Despite Increased Education

Athletes continue to under-report concussion even when they know the signs and symptoms find recent research, which suggest that efforts to break the code of silence which pervades contact sports, and change the attitudes of athletes towards reporting concussion, are not working.

Best Way To Fight Teen Obesity: More Team Sports, Not Less

The best way to fight obesity in high school students is to increase opportunities for all teens, regardless of athletic ability, to participate in team sports and for more kids to bike and/or walk to school at least 4 times a week, say the authors of a groundbreaking new study in the journal Pediatrics.

Rediscovering The Joys Of Barefoot Running: With Shoes!

Earlier this month I received an email that just may change the way that I train and live my life. To put it in perspective, I need to go back in time a bit (well, more than a bit!).

Having a beautiful beach on which to run barefoot has helped generations of athletes in one Massachusetts town win state championship after championship. A new pair of running shoes is helping MomsTEAM's Founder and Publisher rediscover the joy of going barefoot.

Practicing Yoga As Child Can Set Tone For Healthy and Active Life

When the invitation came in from the Wanderlust Festival in Stratton, Vermont, I wanted to go, especially as I had spent time there visiting my father growing up and practice yoga as an adult. But it turned out that I couldn't find time in my busy schedule running MomsTEAM to get up there, so I offered the media credentials to Tracey Wright, a young chiropractor and yoga enthusiast I have known since she was a child.  Tracey had gone last year and wanted to start blogging on MomsTEAM, so she was only too happy to attend in my stead.

Here's what Tracey had to say about her experience:

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MomsTEAM's newest blogger, Tracey Wright, D.C., reports from the Wanderlust Festival in Stratton, Vermont about the benefits of yoga for kids.

New Jersey Athletic Trainers To Hold Third Annual Sports Safety Summit

MomsTEAM has consistently supported athletic trainers' groups, both at the national (NATA) and state level, in their efforts to improve youth sports safety, both through education and by advocating for ATs in every high school (less than half of U.S. high schools have an AT on staff, although the percentages vary dramatically from state to state).

One of the most active athletic trainers' association at the state level is in New Jersey, which was the first state to require by law that coaches receive safety training, is among the 40 states that have enacted strong youth concussion safety laws, and has been a leader in advocating for academic accommodations for concussed student-athletes. 

Athletic trainers are essential to making youth sports as safe as it can be.  Educational programs, such as the Athletic Trainers Society of New Jersey's third annual sports safety summit on August 1, 2012 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, are important to educating health care professionals on safety issues, including concussions, heat illness, sudden cardiac death and overuse injuries.

The Best NFL Player Who Never Was

There will be times in our lives that we have an opportunity to listen to a motivational speaker whose story is so powerful that it leaves an indelible impression to last a lifetime. JK Parker and Brooke de Lench

Recently, I had that opportunity when I heard John “JK” Parker speak to a high school football team in Oklahoma with which MomsTEAM is working to develop a concussion management program.

There will be times in our lives that we have an opportunity to listen to a motivational speaker whose story is so powerful that it leaves an indelible impression to last a lifetime. Recently, I had that opportunity when I heard John “JK” Parker speak to a high school football team in Oklahoma about how the use of performance enhancing drugs deprived him of a chance at NFL stardom.

Poor Nutrition At Summer Tournaments: Is 'Vacation Mindset' To Blame?

With summer tournaments having long since replaced family vacations for many sports parents, it's easy to get in a "vacation mindset" when it comes to nutrition.  But, says one sports dietitian and mom, the fact is that kids can't 'out-train' a bad diet, especially if it includes unhealthy food from concession stands every weekend.