Athletic trainers play a vital role in healthcare by specializing in the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries to student athletes. This month, Burke Health would like to recognize Burke County High School’s Varsity and Junior Varsity Athletic Trainer for the last 11.5 years, Jonathan Howard, MS, ATC/L, CES, PES.
Jonathan Howard was born in Connecticut and moved to Georgia after finishing his education. He graduated with a BS in Athletic Training (with a Minor in French) from Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC in 2010. He then completed his MS in Human Movement with a Specialization in Sports Conditioning from A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ in 2012.
Howard decided he wanted to pursue a career in athletic training during his senior year of high school when he saw a college magazine on his coach’s desk that had an article talking about the profession and how the education programs worked.
“I grew up playing a myriad of sports my whole life,” said Howard, “and I had my share of athletic-related injuries over those years with no one in this role around to help me.”
“Becoming an athletic trainer offered me a great way to serve others so they could be able to play the sports they love and know that if something were to happen health wise, they’ll have someone there to get them back as quickly and safely as possible.”
Howard says the most rewarding part of his job is helping student-athletes successfully return to playing their sport following an injury, no matter its severity.
“Being there from the onset allows me to best educate them on what is happening, discuss how we will manage their plan of care, and answer their questions and concerns throughout the whole process so they know they’re on the best possible path back to their sport,” said Howard.
In honor of National Athletic Training Month, Howard shares advice to help athletes prevent injuries. Athletes should always warm-up and stretch before any kind of activity including lifting, practice, or games. It’s important to cool down and stretch again afterwards as well.
He encourages athletes to eat a well-rounded diet and to hydrate properly with water, electrolytes, and nutritional shakes so their bodies are prepared to meet the needs and demands of their sports and the conditions they are played in.
“I always tell athletes to listen to their bodies and let someone know when something isn’t feeling quite right,” said Howard. “It’s better to manage an acute injury early than to try and ‘push through it’, which may lead to further damage.”
Source: https://www.thetruecitizen.com/articles/march-is-national-athletic-training-month/