Paddle Tennis Injury Prevention Seminar on February 21 at Waveny in New Canaan
February 6th, 2012Medical and professional panel to give advice on how to stay injury free while enjoying Paddle Tennis
New Canaan, CT – Paddle tennis players and the general public are
Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Paul Sethi
invited to attend a free injury prevention seminar on Tuesday, February 21 at 6:00 p.m. at The Village at Waveny Care Center, 3 Farm Road, New Canaan, Conn. Refreshments will be available from 5:45 p.m. until a prompt 6:15 p.m. start. In the event of inclement weather (corresponding with New Canaan public school closings), a snow date will be announced.
ONS Physical Therapist Alicia Hirscht
A professional panel including orthopedic surgeon Dr. Paul Sethi of ONS in Greenwich, ONS physical therapist Alicia Hirscht and Paddle Professional, Patrick Hirscht will present “Paddle Tennis Injury Prevention,” a seminar on common injuries among paddle or “platform tennis” players and precautions that can be taken to prevent them. The seminar takes place in advance of Waveny Care Network’s 4th Annual Mixed Paddle Tournament, which will be held to benefit the non-profit organization on March 3.
Admission to the panel seminar is free, however registration is requested. To register or for more information, please contact Kim Houghton at (203) 594-5357, or KHoughton@waveny.org.
“Every sport involves a certain amount of risk for injury, and paddle tennis is no different,” says orthopedic surgeon Dr. Paul Sethi, who also serves as president of the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education. “Paddle players do a lot of jumping, planting and twisting on a hard court surface, and they’re doing it in the cold, in sometimes very frigid temperatures. Proper warm up and conditioning are very important to prepare muscles and other soft tissue for strenuous athletic activity. Other potential injuries are rolled and sprained ankles, knee pain from running on the hard court, shoulder injuries from repetitive overheard motion and wrist strain. Proper conditioning your body for your sport can make all the difference in the world.”
Waveny Care Network provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the growing needs of older adults from all areas. Waveny is a not-for-profit organization that offers independent living at New Canaan Inn, assisted living for people with Alzheimer’s and memory loss at The Village, and skilled nursing at Waveny Care Center. For more information call (203) 594-5200 or visit www.waveny.org.
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Seminar on Conditioning for Ski Season presented by ONS Foundation
December 2nd, 2011Many skiing injuries can be avoided say orthopedic experts 
At the start of each ski season, hoards of skiers and snowboarders head to the slopes but most do little to prepare their bodies ahead of time. “The sooner you start a conditioning program, the better,” says orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steven Hindman of the ONS Foundation. “Don’t wait for the snow to start falling to start preparing your body.” As incentive, the ONS Foundation is holding its annual free Ski Conditioning and Injury Prevention Seminar on Tuesday, December 13 at 7 p.m. at ONS, 6 Greenwich Office Park at 10 Valley Drive. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Hindman and sports medicine specialist Dr. Tim Greene will discuss the causes of many skiing injuries and how they may be avoided. The seminar will offer advice on safe skiing, and information on the latest treatments for skiing injuries such as a ruptured ACL. Chalon Lefebvre, PT of ONS Physical Therapy will demonstrate ski conditioning and strengthening exercises that should be part of every skier’s conditioning program. Refreshments will be served. Registration is requested. Call 203-869-3131 or email contact@ons-foundation.org.
According to Dr. Hindman, even experienced athletes are vulnerable to injury if they under-prepare for the rigors of winter sports activity. Physical conditioning can make an important difference to avoid serious strains to joints and muscles. “Most people ride up the ski lift without even a single stretch,” says Hindman. “Skiing uses muscles groups that are used very little the rest of the year. Strengthening and conditioning for skiing should really begin two to three months before the first trip up the mountain, but it’s never too late to benefit from a program. The ONS Foundation program is a good place to start. If you don’t prepare, your risk for injury increases.”
According to Dr. Hindman, the most feared injury by skiers is a torn ACL, (anterior cruciate ligament). One of four ligaments in the knee, the ACL can tear when a skier tries to recover from a fall in which his weight drops backward over the ski tails, triggering the skis to shoot forward putting excessive stress on the ACL. The injury usually requires surgery and a lengthy recuperation. Conditioning can play an important role in ACL injury prevention. Strengthening both the upper and lower leg muscles will help stabilize the knee during stress situations.
Building muscular endurance and strength are the basics of ski conditioning. The major leg muscles work the hardest when skiing or snowboarding and need to be strong for good balance and to resist fatigue throughout the day. Exercises should focus on strengthening hips, thighs, hamstrings and calves, while improving flexibility and stamina. Yoga and Pilates work well for developing strength, flexibility and balance for many people.
“Fatigue is the most common cause of skiing and snowboarding accidents, says Dr. Hindman. “Most injuries happen after 2 p.m. due to a combination of muscle fatigue, flat light and deteriorating snow conditions. When you get tired, stop and go inside.”
The ONS Foundation health and injury prevention seminars are presented by physicians and physical therapists throughout the year. For more information, visit www.ons-foundation.org.
Brain and Spine Injury Prevention for Seniors
October 28th, 2011For people over age 65, a fall poses a high risk for traumatic brain or spinal cord injury.
Neurosurgeon Scott Simon, MD of ONS in Stamford.
In fact, falls are the leading cause of brain injury in the elderly, often leading to hospitalization, loss of independence and life-threatening conditions.
On Tuesday, November 1 at 6 p.m. – Neurosurgeon Dr. Scott Simon will talk about how to avoid accidents like tripping or slipping that can lead to a life-changing injury. He will discuss the most common causes of injuries in and out of the home, highlight what should be done to reduce the risk for injuries,and explain when a simple fall should be taken more seriously.
The talk will take place in the Noble Conference Room at Greenwich Hospital.
Admission is FREE.
To register, call 203-863-4277 or 888-305-9253.
Medical Professionals Gather to Learn about Children’s Injuries at ONS Foundation Medical Conference
October 17th, 2011Tribute lecture established in remembrance of Greenwich Hospital radiologist Rick Velaj
Dr. Scott Sullivan, Nicole Velaj, Alex and Patricia Velaj and Dr. Paul Sethi at the 2011 ONS Foundation Conference
The ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education third annual medical conference on Saturday, October 15 at Greenwich Hospital put the spotlight on Pediatric and Adolescent Injuries. Physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and physical therapists from all over the region gathered to hear the latest information and research on diagnosis and treatment for musculoskeletal conditions and injuries affecting children through adolescence. Orthopedic, sports medicine and neurosurgery specialists from the ONS Foundation spoke on topics that included Strength Training for the Young Athlete, Injuries of the Throwing Elbow, ACL Injuries and Concussion Management and Prevention, among others. The keynote address was presented by Bob Bigelow, the co-author of a book titled Just Let the Kids Play, who was also an NBA first round draft choice.
“Children today have a unique set of physical challenges given the unprecedented level of sports participation,” said conference chairman and orthopedic surgeon Frank Ennis, MD. “This year’s conference brought together medical specialists to review the normal function of the musculoskeletal system in children, and hear about the most effective techniques to treat and manage conditions resulting from injuries related to sports activities.”
Also part of this year’s program was a special tribute to Rick Velaj, a highly-regarded clinical radiologist who was on staff at Greenwich Hospital and died suddenly one year ago. Dr. Scott Sullivan, a colleague of Dr. Velaj presented the first Rick Velaj Memorial Lecture, and spoke to the audience on the diagnosis of spinal conditions in children.
Past conferences put on by the ONS Foundation provided medical professionals throughout the region with up-to-date information on the best treatments for common musculoskeletal problems and on “the aging athlete”. Conference attendees earn CME or CEU education credit from the Greenwich Hospital Association.
Injury Prevention Seminar for Runners will feature Medical Experts and Shoe Specialist
September 8th, 2011
The ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education will present a free seminar on injury prevention for runners of all levels on Tuesday, September 27 at the office of Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Specialists (ONS), located at 6 Greenwich Office Park off Valley Drive. Running Right! will be conducted by sports medicine physician Gloria Cohen, MD and physical therapist Abigail Ramsey, PT (both competitive runners). Check in is at 6:30. The program begins at 7 p.m. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. To register, call 203-869-3131 or send an email to contact@ons-foundation.org.
“Running is a rewarding sport that has seen enormous growth in popularity in recent years,” says Gloria Cohen, MD. “With such enthusiasm can also come injuries. All too often, people make the decision to start running and do too much too soon. Even seasoned runners, who have taken a season off, may not always manage their return to running the right way. If the body is not properly prepared, it is vulnerable to injuries such as sprains, pulled muscles and even stress fractures. This seminar will be helpful for new and experienced runners who want strategies to help them get the most out of running.”
Running Right! will cover a broad range of related topics including the biomechanics of a runner and injury prevention for runners. Gloria Cohen, MD and Abigail Ramsey, DPT will talk about how to recognize and avoid the most common injuries in runners, stretching and strengthening conditioning techniques, safe training methods, physical therapy injury treatments and returning to running after injury. Chris Goslin, running specialist from Greenwich Running Co. on Greenwich Avenue will talk about the latest technology in running shoes and how to find the right shoe for your foot and level of running.
The Foundation education initiative organizes injury prevention programs for adults and youths throughout the year. All programs are FREE, however registration is requested. For further details, or to register go to www.ons-foundation.org.
Parenting a Healthy Dancer Workshop to be held at The Ballet School of Stamford
August 24th, 2011
Most injuries in dancers, for both students and professionals, are not the result of a sudden or traumatic event. They usually occur from overuse over a period of time. Because dance training involves repetitive movements done in classes, rehearsals, and performances, a lot of stress is put on dancers’ ligaments and muscles. Over time, this repetitive activity can lead to a number of overuse injuries.
On Tuesday, September 20 at 6:30 p.m., The Ballet School of Stamford and the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education will team up to present a FREE injury prevention workshop for parents of dancers. Parenting a Healthy Dancer will feature a panel of experts who will discuss how to keep young dancers healthy in mind and body. The panel will include Sports Medicine Physician Dr. Gloria Cohen, Dance Physical Therapist Samara DiMattia MSPT and Psychotherapist Becca Gaines, MS PC. The program is being hosted by The Ballet School of Stamford at 175 Atlantic Street in Stamford and will highlight the importance of understanding the signs and symptoms of the most common dance injuries including tendinitis, snapping hip, foot stress injuries, sprained ankles, and low back pain.
“The workshop will cover the physical and emotional challenges for the young dancer,” said Dr. Cohen. “It will stress the importance of proper technique and identifying any muscle imbalances in the young dancer that might lead to an injury. The workshop will include discussion of proper strengthening and stretching exercises that can prevent injuries, basic rehabilitation exercises for dancers recovering from an injury, and how to know when to see a professional about a condition.” The FREE workshop will be conducted in an open forum. The public is invited, however advance registration is requested. For information, or to register, please send an email to info@Balletschoolofstamford.org, or call 203-358-8853. For directions go to www.balletschoolofstamford.org.
The Ballet School of Stamford is a not-for-profit school that provides professional dance training for children and adults from Fairfield and Westchester counties. The school is entering its thirteenth year and has moved into its new home at Old Town Hall. Through its relationship with Stamford Center for the Arts, the Ballet School is able to provide unique performance opportunities for its students, with a varied repertoire of original productions and classical ballets.
ONS Foundation receives $300,000 Donation to support Research Lab
August 22nd, 2011Milton Sender of Stamford, CT has made a $300,000 donation to the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education to support the operations of a new arthroscopy, surgical skills and biomechanics laboratory.
Milton Sender (left) with ONS Foundation officers Vicki Leeds Tananbaum and Dr. Paul Sethi who recently announced a $300,000 donation from Mr. Sender to the ONS Foundation in Greenwich, CT.
The ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education has announced the receipt of a $300,000 donation from Milton Sender of Stamford, CT and Middleburg, VA. The funds will go towards the operations support for the Foundation’s new laboratory for arthroscopy, surgical skills and biomechanics research.
Milton Sender is a co-founder and former-CEO of Daymon Worldwide, a marketing company of private-brand products. He became interested in the Foundation after being treated by physicians at ONS who are also involved with the ONS Foundation. “I met (Drs.) Mark Camel and Seth Miller when I needed surgery on my neck and shoulder after a fall from a horse. I was very impressed with the competence of the doctors at ONS. I heard about the Foundation and I wanted to do something to help people in my own community who have helped me so much. The Foundation was a natural choice. I believe that if you are good at what you do, you shouldn’t have a ceiling over your head. I hope my gift will help stimulate others to support the Foundation, so it may continue to advance research on treatments for bone and joint conditions into the future.” Mr. Sender added that his own experiences with injuries and treatments have made him acutely aware of the potential for orthopedics and neurosurgery to have a major impact on peoples’ lives.
The $300,000, which will be distributed over five years, will go towards operating the ONS Foundation Laboratory for arthroscopy, surgical skills and biomechanics that is under development and expected to open in January 2012. Research projects currently underway using outside labs include a comparison study of open and minimally invasive spinal fusion procedures, a comparative outcome and cost analysis for treatment of unstable odontoid fractures in the elderly, an evaluation of intra-articular rotator cuff repair and an examination of the pathenogensis of rotator cuff tears.
“It is an honor to have Milton’s support,” said Vicki Leeds Tananbaum, Vice President to the Board of Directors of the Foundation. “To be recognized by someone of Milton’s stature and reputation is a real complement to the Foundation. We look forward to working closely with him.”
GCDS Ninth Graders Learn about Orthopedic Medicine
June 17th, 2011On May 25th, 18 ninth-grade students from Greenwich Country Day School (GCDS) 
visited with orthopedic surgeon and ONS Foundation President Dr. Paul Sethi at the ONS medical offices on Valley Drive. GCDS science and math teacher Austin Lehn seized the opportunity to bring his students to ONS and explained, “most of the students on the visit have some level of interest or curiosity about a career in medicine. At 15 years old, they know they ‘like science’ or ‘want to help people’ but don’t know exactly how those interests may be channeled as adults. This was a great opportunity for the students to see what a typical day might be like for an orthopedic surgeon – something that a day of biology class typically does not offer.” The students toured the medical facility and then had a hands-on session with Dr. Sethi to learn about typical and not so typical cases seen and treated by an orthopedic surgeon.
“They asked some great questions and seemed very interested in learning about orthopedics, surgery and about medicine in general,” said Dr. Sethi who regularly speaks to medical 
professionals as well as community groups on topics related to orthopaedic surgery, research and injury prevention. “One of the important aims of the ONS Foundation is to make opportunities like this available to students. As the population ages, orthopedics and related research is an increasingly important area of medicine. We need up-and-coming medical students who are motivated to make the next discoveries and to continue to improve the health and quality of life of individuals of all ages.
According to Lehn, a few students left the office saying they “definitely want to be doctors when they grow up!” For more information about the ONS Foundation educational opportunities for students call Foundation Coordinator Leslie Pinto at 203-869-3131.
Take a look at the Golf Outing Auction Catalog
June 6th, 2011The 3rd Annual ONS Foundation Golf Outing is shaping up to be 
a fantastic day. There is still time to register to play so if you haven’t yet, contact Leslie Pinto at contact@ons-foundation.org, or by phone at 203-869-3131. If you’d like to come for dinner and the auction only that’s okay too. As further temptation, you may preview of the auction catalog posted on our site. Several items may be shared. Some of the best for sharing include the visit to the studio set of Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb, golf lessons with Mike Summa, the Watsons “Fiesta” party, a Clam Bake party, tickets to sporting events and the NY lunch at the Monkey Bar and private tour of the Metropolitan Museum.
If you will not be attending but would like to bid on an auction item, you may by simply calling Leslie Pinto at 203-869-3131. Bids will be accepted until 6 PM June 12th.
As Triathletes Grow in Numbers, Injury Prevention is Key to Maintaining Fitness
April 27th, 2011SAVE THE DATE!!
ONS Foundation Seminar on safe training strategies for triathletes
Dr. Gloria Cohen
Dr. Katie Vadasdi
Next on the schedule of the ONS Foundation injury prevention seminars is a program for Triathletes and Cyclists: Safety Strategies for Training and Competition on Tuesday, May 31st.
More and more people are focusing on living a healthy lifestyle through both diet and exercise, and with this trend has come a surge in participation in triathlon sports; biking, running and swimming. Following remarkable steady growth over the past decade, triathlon participation in the United States is now at an all-time high. For many, being a triathlete represents the ultimate commitment to fitness, however the physical demands are significant, as are the risks for injuries. On Tuesday, May 31 at 6:30p.m., the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education will offer a free seminar, “Injury Prevention for Triathletes and Cyclists: Safety Strategies for Training and Competition”. The program, which takes place at ONS at 6 Greenwich Office Park, 10 Valley Drive, will focus attention on the common causes of injuries in triathletes and cyclists. Registration is required, as space is limited. To register, please call 203 869-3131, or send an email to contact@ons-foundation.org.
“What makes this program unique is that it is led by physicians with specialties in sports medicine who are also competitive athletes,” said Katie Vadasdi, MD, who is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist. Dr. Vadasdi along with primary-care sports medicine specialist Dr. Gloria Cohen and ONS physical therapist Abigail Ramsey will serve as panelists for the seminar. Each knows firsthand about the risks for injury in tri-sports. They not only participate as runners, cyclists and swimmers, but they also treat many patients who are triathletes. Dr. Vadasdi is an experienced triathlete who has completed two ironman competitions. Dr. Cohen is a competitive cyclist and has also served as team physician to four Olympic Games. Abigail Ramsey is also a triathlete.
The trio of speakers will discuss biomechanical issues of combined training, techniques for proper stretching and strengthening, post-injury training methods for return to racing, and treatments for injuries. “Triathletes in training will reduce their risk for injury by raising their awareness,” added Dr. Vadasdi. “This seminar will provide valuable information for athletes preparing for the summer and fall race season.”
In addition, each seminar attendee will be eligible for a raffle that will give away computrainer classes, bicycle tune ups and other items donated by Pacific Swim Bike Run of Stamford and TARGETRAINING of Westport and Greenwich.
Pacific Swim Bike Run offers private classes by certified coaches, individualized training sessions, expert bike fittings, nutritional consultations and a complete line of equipment to support the needs of the tri sports enthusiast. TARGETRAINING Tri & Cycle Bike & Tri Shop and Training Center is a comprehensive resource for cyclists and triathletes and everyday folk who enjoy training on the bike, running and swimming.
