e-Newsletter - April 2015
Advancing the Prevention, Early Diagnosis, and
Treatment of Life-Threatening Blood Clots
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Too Fit to Clot? Perhaps Not.
How could this happen to me? I exercise all the time and I'm in great shape. It doesn't make sense that I developed a blood clot.
This is a sentiment we hear all too often when people share their blood clot experiences with us. Unfortunately, however, blood clots can happen to anyone. This month, we take a closer look at the issue of athletes and blood clots, sharing some important information on the topic, as well as some wonderful stories of inspiration.
In the span of roughly one month, three superstars connected to the National Basketball Association (NBA) were stricken by blood clots. Miami Heat's All-Star Chris Bosh and Brooklyn Nets forward Mila Teletovic were both hospitalized with blood clots in their lungs earlier this year. Just a few weeks prior, longtime Portland Trailblazer Jerome Kersey died at age 52 from a blood clot several days after having knee surgery.
If nothing else, the experiences of these high-performance and high-profile athletes prove one thing: Blood clots do not discriminate. If you think that other pro-athletes are immune, think again. Click here to read about some pro hockey players who have suffered blood clots. Professional baseball players are on this list, too. Read more here.
Healthcare providers may delay or miss blood clot diagnoses in athletic individuals, even when they exhibit classic symptoms. Why? Because blood clots are not common in young, healthy individuals, and most athletes are young and healthy. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are not the norm among these patients, so their symptoms may be diagnosed as something less serious.
A muscle tear, charley horse or shin splints are common injuries in athletes, but sometimes they are the misinterpreted symptoms of a DVT. Chest symptoms from a PE are often diagnosed as a pulled muscle, asthma or a "touch" of pneumonia. Knowing the signs and symptoms of blood clots, as well as the specific risk factors for athletes, can help correctly diagnose and treat these deadly clots.
There are several circumstances that can put an athlete at greater risk for a blood clot. Athletes, trainers, and coaches should be particularly aware of these risk factors:
- Traveling long distances to and from games or competitions
- Dehydration
- Bone fracture or orthopedic surgery
- Immobilization (brace or cast)
To help prevent blood clots, it's important to understand the risk factors and know the signs and symptoms whether you are an athlete or not. Blood clots can be prevented and when they occur can be safely treated. It's important to share this information with your family and friends so you can help get the word out about life-threatening blood clots.
For more specific information about athletes and blood clots, click here.
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'Tis the Season:
Race Season That Is
Gear up and get ready, as
several great Stop the Clot
events are taking place around the country in just a few short weeks.
Whether you run, walk, trot, or just come out and soak up all the fun, you're sure to have a good time for a good cause.
Check out the schedule in May:
Friday, May 1
Atlanta's Clot Trot 5K Fun Run/Walk
Sponsored by BOMGAR
More Info
Saturday, May 2
Capital City Half Marathon
Columbus, Ohio
NBCA is an Official Charity
More Info
Sunday, May 10
Chicago Stop the Clot 5K Run/Walk
Happy Mother's Day!
More Info
Sunday, May 17
5th Annual Austin TX Stop the Clot 5K Run/Walk
More Info
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#tread24: Crossing a Finish Line, but Just Getting Started
As NBCA has previously featured here, and shared on our website and via social media in recent weeks, NBCA Board member Eric O'Connor recently set out to run 24 hours on a treadmill to raise funds for our organization, and also to help increase
awareness about blood clots. NBCA is enormously appreciative of the great work Eric has done, and we couldn't be more proud of his accomplishments.
Eric stepped on the treadmill at 12 noon Central Time, on Friday, April 10, and we're delighted to report that his efforts were a tremendous success, as he "crossed the finish line" and successfully realized his goal, stepping off of his treadmill 24 hours later, at 12 noon Central Time, on Saturday, April 11. For running enthusiasts, it's also important to note that he hit the 100 mile mark at 23 hours into this amazing effort.
"It was an experience that tested my strength both physically and mentally, and, as with any run, there were high points and low points along the way," Eric says. "The repetitive engagement with the treadmill started to take its toll on the tendon behind my left knee at around 4:00 am on Saturday morning. I can tell you though, all of the low points were marginalized or swept away by the sheer joy I felt when I hit the 100 mile mark and then completed this 24-hour treadmill run."
While facing down this 24-hour challenge, Eric was fortunate to have round-the-clock support from family and friends, a number of whom ran alongside him in 30-minute intervals throughout the night. He also had the backing of Run Today, the local running store in Glen Ellyn, IL, where his Tread 24 event took place, Skechers, which provided shoes for his run, and Garmin, the makers of running watches and other fitness products.
"When you operate in a nonprofit setting, and seek to have people get behind your mission or goals, it's important to find ways to capture their attention or imagination," Eric says.
In this regard, Eric made a tremendous investment -- few folks could ever do what he has just done -- but his hard work and commitment have surely paid off: Eric has raised nearly $12,000 through his Tread 24 campaign, and more than 4,000 people tuned in to watch him on YouTube over the course of his 24-hour treadmill trek.
Following this successful response, and knowing that Eric also serves as Chair of NBCA's Development Committee, we're sure that there's much more in store for #tread24. Given Eric's creativity, determination, and sheer grit, we strongly advise you to stay tuned.
You can add your name to the growing list of NBCA and #tread24 supporters by donating
here
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Community Connection
 Celebrating Service: National Volunteer Appreciation Week
Our volunteers are an impressive group, and NBCA is grateful for all of the time, talent and hard work they dedicate to advance our cause. They share their blood clot experiences and create fundraising opportunities by organizing races, walks, golf tournaments, and shopping nights to benefit NBCA. They celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and bar and bat mitzvahs by setting up fundraising pages. They create gift items, t-shirts, and jewelry and donate the proceeds. There is no end to their creativity and drive. Our heart felt thanks to each and every one of you, for your selflessness and dedication to our mission.
Everything's Bigger in Texas
Join us on Sunday, May 17th, for the 5th Annual Stop the Clot 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk in Austin, Texas. Everyone who registers for the race will have use of the facilities at The Reserve at Lake Travis for the day. This includes the infinity pool, the lazy river, swim up bar, waterslide, kids swim area, lake access, food and drink specials and more! For more information or to register/make a donation, click here.
When Everything Changed ...
Kristine Hinterkopf's Patient Story
"Running is my greatest passion, but at age 27 it nearly cost me my life. I had a stress fracture in my hip that required surgery. All things considered, my out-patient surgery went well and I was even able to get up and walk around a bit. I seemed to be well on my way to recovery when everything changed.
.. "
Read Kristine's story
here
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ICYMI: All the News That's Fit to Link
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NBCA Corporate Roundtable
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