SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – This month marks the 26th anniversary of National Trauma Awareness Month. The 2014 campaign slogan, “Playing It Safe,” focuses on sports related injuries.

In recent years, many people have begun to take the advice of health care professionals to get active. Increasingly, individuals of all ages are reaping the health benefits of regular exercise. But for some, namely those who overdo it or who don’t properly train or warm up, these benefits actually come at a price.

According to James Buck, certified athletic trainer at the Rehab Center at Regional West, exercise should be both fun and empowering.

“If you have not exercised on a consistent basis, always start slowly with a new program of exercise. Our attitude towards a new exercise regimen is to be ‘slow and steady’ not ‘weekend warrior.’ If you feel pain or soreness while exercising, stop or lower the intensity and slow down. Exercise can be fun if you progress slowly in intensity and duration. If you go too hard too fast, you will be sore and not motivated to continue. Set realistic goals and be patient,” said Buck.

Most importantly, Buck says that exercise will bring positive results to many aspects of your life. “One of the best things about exercising is it breeds self-confidence. You are empowered to do more and inspired to reach your goals. A positive attitude and self-confidence permeates everything else in your life affecting your relationships and your work.”

If you sustain a sports related injury, Regional West can treat you. From emergency room care to orthopaedic surgery to rehabilitation, Regional West offers a full continuum of health care for sports related injuries.

Regional West Health Services, Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic. These organizations, with over 1,800 employees, provide comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.