Good news for those interested in the community of Jewish Athletes and Sports Participants generally, especially if you know about the programs of  the Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare (JHSMH) systems that includes more than 70 health care facilities and 1,900 patient beds in Kentucky and southern Indiana.

In 1997, Jewish Hospital Frazier Rehab Institute implemented a comprehensive sports medicine program that has evolved into Jewish Sports Medicine (JSM), a program providing medical services to the physically active Kentuckiana community.

As part of the Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare organization, JSM offers a comprehensive range of services including education, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and wellness from a specially trained and certified staff, ensuring the highest quality of care possible.

Certified Athletic Trainers and other professionals in the area of sports medicine provide a holistic approach to the athlete, no matter the level of competition.

JSM offers an extensive array of services, packaged with a multi-faceted approach. This approach keeps people in the game of life by helping them understand the need for education and preventative measures, for the entire individual-physically and mentally.

And more information about the involvement of JSM and the Senior PGA Championship in just a few days.

Jewish Sports Medicine, a service of Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare, will provide on-site medical services for the Senior PGA Championship when the tournament comes to Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville May 24-29, 2011.

A team of physicians, nurses and EMS personnel will be on hand to treat any medical needs among the 10,000 daily spectators and volunteers expected to be on-hand for the championship.

“We anticipate that we will treat a number of different types of injuries, but the most common during events like these are headaches, lacerations and allergies,” said Dr. Mario Maya, JHSMH medical director for the event. “Other injuries may include falls on the course resulting in sprains, strains, bruises, fractures lacerations, more.  Our purpose is to keep everyone safe and well so that they can enjoy this wonderful sporting event.”

“There is also the potential for heat related illness,” Maya added. Volunteers and spectators alike need to be aware of the possibility of insect bites/stings; sunburns so wear the sunscreen; hydration so drink plenty of water; and wear cool comfortable clothing and shoes.

Jewish Hospital recognizes that athletes are not the only ones to sustain injuries while at these events. Attendees are often the ones that need medical attention.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for our community to have the Senior PGA Championship back in Louisville,” said Denise Wooldridge, RN, BSN, Director, JHSMH “It is important to recognize that athletes are not the only ones to sustain injuries while at these events. Jewish Sports Medicine is proud to be a partner and provide the care needed for volunteers and attendees.”

Jewish Sports Medicine has provided medical management for the last four major PGA tournaments held at Valhalla in addition to the 2009 Ryder Cup.  Maya has been the medical director for all of these.  Jewish Sports Medicine also provides medical management for many other regular community events including University of Louisville football and special events such as the 2010 USA Cycling Masters Road National Championship.

Maya is board certified in emergency medicine, practices occupational medicine with Occupational Physicians Services of Louisville, a local medical group helping provide leadership to the JHSMH EmployCare program, as well as working with the Jewish Hospital Sports Medicine program.

The 72nd Senior PGA Championship will be held at Valhalla Golf Club over five days. There will be a maximum of 156 players that represent 17 countries.  Valhalla is only the third course in the nation to have hosted a PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship and a Ryder Cup.