Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains occur when the foot rolls over on itself and the ligaments that hold the foot and ankle bones together are stretched and injured. When caring for an ankle sprain, the principles of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) should be applied.

• Rest: Stay off the injured ankle to allowing healing to take place and prevent any further injury. Crutches can be used for mobility if necessary.
• Ice: Ice helps control swelling and reduces pain associated with inflammation. Ice should be applied for 15 minutes several times a day.
• Compression: Compression helps prevent swelling from pooling in the ankle and provides support. Elastic bandages from the drugstore can be used for this purpose.
• Elevation: Elevation helps to control swelling and pain. Keep your ankle elevated at the level of your heart for two to three hours per day.

When the swelling and pain have diminished, you can usually return to activity. Care should be taken to strengthen the ankle after injury. For strengthening exercises, consult a certified athletic trainer or physical therapist.

Flu
Flu season usually occurs in late fall and winter. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which results in a respiratory infection. The influenza virus can be transmitted in the air through your nose and mouth. Also, it can pass from your hand to your nose and mouth if you have touched a contaminated surface.

If you are infected with the flu virus, you will usually feel symptoms within one to four days. Flu symptoms include body aches, chills, dry cough, fever, headache, sore throat, and stuffy nose.

Because the flu is a virus, antibiotics are not recommended for treatment. Your healthcare provider may recommend antiviral medication such as Tamiflu or Relenza. Many people treat the flu by resting in bed, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or acetaminophen.

The main way to prevent the flu is by getting a yearly flu vaccine. You can get the vaccine at your doctor's office or Student Health Services. Good habits such as washing your hands, avoiding sick people, and covering your nose and mouth when coughing are important to prevent infection. For more information on the flu, visit http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/flu.htm.

Nutrition
As an athlete, preparation for optimal performance must include proper nutrition. The NCAA has provided several tools to assist student-athletes in making food choices to ensure peak performance. For more information, visit http://www.ncaa.org.

If you have any questions about sports medicine or athletic training, please contact Devin Cashman, certified athletic trainer, at 781-768-7146 or devin.cashman@regiscollege.edu.