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22 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday August 15, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com ~Dare to Dream~ Oakville Beaver Readers for consistently selecting us If you play smart, you play for keeps With fall around the corner, many parents will be rushing out to enroll thier children in sports of all kinds. How do hockey and football players of all ages play for keeps? By playing smart, playing to your abilities, and playing safe ­ they're all tied together, says Angelique Berg, executive director of the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation. Minimize your risks and maximize your fun with these tips from the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation. · Take time for warm-ups before and cooldowns after the game, working on strength, flexibility and endurance exercises. It not only helps you to improve your abilities, but "The most important way to prevent injury is to be in good physical condition," says Dr. Jennifer Fletcher, an orthopaedic surgeon at Saint John Regional Hospital, New Brunswick. · Ensure that protective gear (helmet, pads, etc.) fits properly, especially as kids grow, and is in good condition. Use it in practices, and pickup games too. "These types of games are often when we see injuries, especially in older athletes," says Dr. Fletcher. · Learn proper techniques, whether knowing how to tackle in football, or keeping your head up in hockey. You'll improve your skills, and become more injury-resistant to boot. · Know the rules and show sportsmanship. Fair, clean games are more pleasant for everyone ­ and reduce the chance you'll end up with your arm in a sling or leg in a cast. · Before a game or practice, check the field or ice for damage or potential hazards. You don't want any adverse conditions that will affect either the game or your safety. · Injuries often occur when players are pushing beyond their limits. Don't try to be a hero by playing through the pain or fatigue. At times, choosing the bench is the smartest play, for yourself and your team. · If you're already injured, get the go-ahead from a health professional before returning to the game. - News Canada Thank you Favourite Dance School We are honoured by your support Classical Ballet Preschool (Baby Ballet) Curriculum to Professional Levels All classes taught by professionally certified teachers and accompanied by Classical Ballet pianists. Register now for September Classes (R.A.D. & Cecchetti) Recreational Division Professional Division Pointe Pas de Deux Character - Folk Dance Modern/Jazz Adult Classes: (Daytime & Evening) Students perform with the Oakville Ballet Company in Oakville's own "The Nutcracker" Offering classes at our Glen Abbey Campus An Oakville institution providing excellence in ballet training for over 45 years. Register now over the phone for Glen Abbey and Downtown Classes! Founder & Artistic Advisor: Elizabeth Paterson Former Major and Children's examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance (30 yrs.) Oakville School of Dance Amanda Anderson, Artistic Director 260 Robinson St., Oakville ON L6J 1G6 Established 1960 905-844-7035 www.oakvilleballet.com / email: oakvilleballetinfo@cogeco.ca THE LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE IS DEMONSTRATED IN THE SUCCESS OF OUR GRADUATES. Grace Academy OF DANCE & PERFORMING ARTS Fellow and examiner with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Academy Director: Heidi Knapp Technical and creative excellence in a warm and friendly environment for students age 3 to adult. · · · REGISTRATION August 15 and 22, 23: 5:30pm to 8:30pm August 29: 10am to 2pm September 5 and 6: 4pm to 7pm For more information and to register please contact us at: 905.338.0210 785 Pacific Road, Unit 1, Oakville www.graceacademy.ca www.ymcaofoakville.com