Hello ,

In 2013 The New York Daily News reported that many orthopedic surgeons have noticed a disturbing trend-a serious spike in debilitating knee injuries among teenaged athletes. Dr. Frank Cordasco calls it "an epidemic." Cordasco said that he and his team are operating on 200 to 300 kids a year, unheard of even a decade ago. Since the year 2000, there has also been a five-fold increase in the number of serious shoulder and elbow injuries among youth baseball and softball players.

What's causing this epidemic of reconstructive joint surgeries? The article put the blame on one factor: the lack of rest. In other words, "The current emphasis on playing one sport all year long leaves no time for muscles and joints to recover from the micro-trauma that occurs during practice and play."

But this "epidemic" isn't unique to younger athletes. In 2013, 19 Major League Baseball pitchers had Tommy John surgery-or the reconstruction of the ligament in the elbow. In the first six weeks of the 2014 season, 18 more pro pitchers have been slated for the same surgery. Again, doctors are pointing to the "overuse and no time off in the formative teen years" as the main reason for the spike in Tommy John surgeries.*

Our world suffers from lack of rest...it's a simple fact that would be difficult to deny.  God has a plan.  At creation, He sanctified (made holy), a day that was set aside for rest and reflection.  Let me challenge you to read about it in the second chapter of Genesis. It's worth a second look...especially if you find yourself un-rested and stressed out.

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word