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The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is located behind the kneecap (patella) and connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). Stabilizing the knee joint is the primary responsibility of the ACL. Injuries that affect the ACL are three to five times more common in females than males. This is a result of anatomical, biomechanical, strength, and hormonal differences. The probability of potentially devastating tears to the ACL may be reduced in female athletes by an alternative warm-up program that focuses on muscle flexibility, strength, motor skill, and balance enhancement. Once the ACL has been torn, it becomes impossible to reattach or stitch the ligament back together. The blood supply in this area of the body is diminished and the tissue becomes nonviable. Reconstruction of the ACL involves attaching the ligament to another tendon from the hamstring, just below the knee. Although reconstruction and treatment of ACL injuries are available, much unnecessary pain, money, and time may be wasted during these procedures. It is important to be aware of the prevention methods available to reduce the possibility of potentially devastating tears to the ACL. These prevention methods include proper warm-up and avoiding activities that cause pain. Other preventive measures include incorporating balance exercises along with stretching and strengthening muscles near the ACL. Appropriate rest and recovery time are other important factors that may prevent ACL injuries. Quality footwear, strapping, or taping may provide an additional level of support to the knee joint and ACL.

Athletes diagnosed with diabetes may have difficulty with their blood sugar levels fluctuating during intense exercise. Considerations for athletes with insulin concerns may range anywhere from exercise rehabilitation to the use of an automatic insulin pump. The automatic insulin pump is a small battery-operated device about the size of a pager. The pump continuously delivers small doses of insulin to the body. It can be conveniently clipped to a belt, waistband, or carried in a pocket. Many athletes have used this machine to assist with insulin control. Medical people believe that those who use the insulin pump will experience better insulin control. Insulin pumps should be padded during rough physical activity, such as football, because subjects have a needle inserted in the side of their abdomen. The insulin pump regulates blood sugar before and after practice to ensure insulin levels are appropriate. Checking insulin levels, while participating in physical activities, is a requirement to prevent further injuries.

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act has been the main focus of educational debate since we entered the 21st Century. It has left educators in dispute about the reasonableness of federally-ordered reforms and the necessity for holding all students to the same academic standards. The 2001 legislation expanded the federal government's role in public education and required greater school accountability and teacher qualifications with little concern for mandate funding. The NCLB requirements have resulted in larger public schools and rural school consolidation. This development has placed unnecessary burden on public schools and has forced many districts to eliminate educational programming. This article will discuss the ramifications of NCLB in public school settings, as well as the specific problems of schools in rural areas.

Those who have taught motor skills would most likely agree that the overhand throw may be the most difficult skill for students to master and for instructors or coaches to teach. The timing involved when generating power to performing the overhand throw begins in the toes/feet and moves up the leg, hip, thorax (core muscles), arm, and ends in the finger tips. The overhand throw requires the coordination of almost all of the joints in the human body. Another consideration related to the complexity of the overhand throw is that the dominant or throwing side of the body is performing almost a completely opposite movement than the non-throwing side. The overhand throw is analyzed joint by joint followed by methods of increasing power and strength in each area beginning with the fingers and ending in the muscles of the body's core. This paper provides information that suggests various methods of training for increasing power in the overhand throw by developing the core and upper body muscles. Often the overhand throw is performed without the assistance of force generated in the lower body. The focus of this paper is directed towards developing upper body strength to compensate for situations where the lower body is in a situation where it cannot contribution in the processes of developing force in the overhand throw.

Participation in strength training is important for older children or young adolescences who wish to improve fitness or participate in sports. When designing strength training programs for our youth this age group is immature anatomically, physiologically, and psychologically. For the younger or inexperienced group the strength training activities may include push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, or pull-ups without barbells or dumbbells. These activities employ one's body weight as resistance. After training at this level those who demonstrate progress may move to machines that provide resistance or dumbbells. When the preparation is sports related the training goals should focus on developing power and strength related to sport specific skills. These types of exercises may be used for those who are entering puberty. Remember, muscle balance must be maintained at all times. Strength training activities should be supervised by those with education and experience in these areas. Although some injuries occur in most physical activities the American College of Sports Medicine supports young adolescences and children's participation in appropriately designed and competently supervised strength training programs. Although all participants should understand the risks and benefits of strength training, a young child should not be expected to comprehend the intricacies of muscle action. Focus on lifetime fitness and teach kids how to exercise properly. Provide a stimulating program that develops in our youth a positive attitude towards strength training and a healthy lifestyle. Benefits include increasing muscular strength, muscular endurance, body composition and sports performance. The primary objectives throughout all levels of youth training are safety, fitness, health, and enjoyment.

It may amaze those in education that in this age of technology and computers, how basic concepts of classroom teaching are similar or even more important than they were 40 years ago when Kounin first defined withitness elements. New challenges, related to laptop Internet instruction, require instructors to develop "withitness" skills and situational awareness as they compete with computers for students' attention and class participation. "Withitness" skills may be needed when teaching students in classrooms with laptops connected to the Internet.