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Temple Health & Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation Team Up for Healthy Young Athletes

A very special event took place at the Wells Fargo Center on Sunday, October 21, and it was made possible by a partnership between Temple Health and the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation.

The event – entitled: "Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation & Temple Health: Teaming Up for Healthy Young Athletes" – saw Temple physicians (supported by staff and other volunteers) providing free physical examinations to nearly 200 boys and girls, between 6 and 18 years old, who signed-up to play competitive hockey and learn many life-long skills through the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation.

In keeping with the standards established by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, the exams included a battery of physical checks – including height, weight, vision, heart and lung, and musculoskeletal screenings. The majority of the kids were cleared to play; but, in some cases, Temple physicians identified health issues that will need to be addressed before the young hockey players hit the ice.

On hand for the event was Larry Kaiser, MD, FACS, Dean and President/CEO of Temple's healthcare enterprise, who emphasized the importance of such physicals for young athletes. "Early detection is the best path to preventing or successfully treating a health risk or clinical problem," he said. "Our doctors were able to identify potential problems that will require immediate follow up, and we will make sure that the kids, with their parents or guardians, get to the right specialists."

Ed Snider, Chairman of Comcast-Spectacor and Founder of the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation, attended the event and expressed his pleasure with the new partnership between Temple Health and Snider Hockey. "We are happy to be able to provide these youngsters with check-ups before they play; it's also important that they learn how to take care of themselves," he said.

While waiting for their physicals, the youngsters were treated to a variety of entertainment options – including face-painting, a balloon artist, and a special visit from "Hooter the Owl," Temple's sports mascot. Before leaving, each hockey enthusiast received a free water bottle and tickets to the upcoming Temple vs. Syracuse football game.

"This is an event that demonstrates the commitment of Temple Health and Snider Hockey to our communities and the families who live in them," added Dr. Kaiser. "We are proud to partner with Snider Hockey to focus on the health of these young boys and girls."

Watch video highlights from the event (produced by Flyers TV).

Date Published: Tuesday, October 23, 2012

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