Physicians have noticed that the frequency of young athletes seeking care at their offices for sports-related injuries has increased dramatically over the past five years. Once considered an unusual occurrence, more and more children and teens are having surgery for chronic sports injuries that result from repetitive stress, strain or motion.

With the well-being of young athletes in mind, Winthrop-University Hospital’s Parenting Today educational series will offer a free program for the community, “Exercise and Sports: How Much is Too Much?” on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 7:00 PM. The program will be held at Winthrop’s Community Outreach Center, located at 101 Mineola Boulevard at the corner of Second Street in Mineola.

John T. Gaffney, DO, Assistant Chief of the Division of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at Winthrop-University Hospital, and Nomann Ashraf, MD, Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon at Winthrop, will discuss the “overuse” syndrome, how to recognize its warning signs, what you can do to prevent or minimize the condition, and treatment options. A question and answer period will follow the lecture.

Attendees are asked to arrive at 6:45 PM and park in the rear of the building. Admission is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. To reserve your space, please call 1-877-559-KIDS.

The Parenting Today program is coordinated by Children’s Health Services and the Department of Pediatrics, part of the Institute for Family Care at Winthrop. For information on other programs at the Hospital, please call 1-866-WINTHROP.