>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Who’s taking care of your kids?

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association answered that question, and many others during the month of March.

Mountain Valley Therapy, in La Grande, will address that question at an informational meeting for parents and kids at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

“It’s important for parents to know who’s helping their children,” athletic trainer Steve Urban said. “We encourage parents to seek us or whoever is taking care of their children and ask questions. That’s what we’re here for. It’s amazing how many parents have no idea who’s caring for their children.”

Athletic training is not the same as personal trainers.

Certified athletic trainers are health care professionals who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited college. They specialize in preventing, recognizing, managing and rehabilitating injuries that result from physical activity.

Athletic trainers receive instruction in areas such as injury and illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injury/illness, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and nutrition. At least 70 percent of certified athletic trainers hold at least a master’s degree.

Concussions will be a major topic of discussion at the meeting.

“Kids think just because they can get up and walk means they should be playing,” Urban said. “They’re putting themselves at serious risk. That’s why parents and coaches need the proper information, and to be involved. We need to give concussions a lot of attention. Getting your bell rung is a serious injury.”

Athletic trainers Erin Long, Brook Jorgenson and Urban are fighting an age old stigma of being the bad guy.

Parents want to see their kids playing and kids want to be playing.

“We’re often seen as the people who keep kids from being in the game,” Jorgenson said. “What we’re trying to do is keep them from hurting themselves more.”

Long added, “We’re more of a liaison between the parents, coaches and athletic staff. They might not be sure whether to take the athlete to the hospital. That’s why we’re there. We can evaluate what’s going on, and what needs to be done.”

Another topic on the slate will be injury prevention.

“That’s one of the main focuses of our job,” Jorgenson said. “But a lot of times we don’t see people until they’re already hurt. It’s definitely an area that can be improved with a little more information getting out to parents.”

The growth the athletic training field in the Grande Ronde Valley is picking up.

As it does, Mountain Valley Therapy’s facility at 2519 Cove Ave. has seen an increased number of patients limping through the doors.

Currently the office staffs four certified athletic trainers.

“People are becoming more aware of what athletic trainers are and what we can do,” Long said. The knowledge and technology has really grown in the last 10 years. A lot of the influx in patients are people who are returning or spread the word about us. We’re here, and we’re ready to help the community.”