Danny
06-12-2004, 07:05 AM
New health service for former players
5:51:40 PM Wed 1 December, 2004
Samantha Lane
Sportal
A health care information service has been launched by past players' association the AFL X-Men to provide health, lifestyle and medical advice to former VFL/AFL players.
The service, which was launched with the support of the AFL and AFL Players' Association on Wednesday, will initially be trialled in Victoria but is eventually intended to reach retired players all over Australia.
The AFL X-Men, a combined association of past players and officials, is already representing 6000 registered former players. Its programs have been endorsed by the likes of Ron Barassi, Bob Skilton, Ken Hunter, Karl Langdon and Wayne Carey.
In consultation with a range of medical experts, the AFL X-Men have launched a fitness information website that addresses nutrition, wellbeing and rehabilitation matters of relevance to ex-football players.
As part of the health care service initiative, numerous AFL endorsed medical staff have agreed to treat AFL X-Men at reduced rates. And the AFL X-Men website provides advice on various health issues including obesity, back pain and stress management.
"In one stroke of the pen, this service has restored their dignity and a lot of players have felt that once your use-by date is up that's it. But now we're saying we want to know about you, we want to know about your injuries, we want to be able to help you," AFL X-Men spokesman Ron O'Dwyer said on Wednesday.
"And you'll see them start coming back to the fold. There's no doubt about that."
"We're looking for information that we can act on. So there will be continuous research and surveys going on as people come through the system."
Out-going president of the AFL Players' Association Rob Kerr said this was an important concept for ex-players.
"We certainly recognise the contribution of past players in building the game, and today's players are clearly the beneficiaries of what the past players did and achieved in their careers."
"Clearly we recognise that the game leaves some players with life-long ailments and that any service that can assist players in maintaining their health will be well received," Kerr said.
"In addition to the toll that the game can make at different times men's health is an important issue in itself."
5:51:40 PM Wed 1 December, 2004
Samantha Lane
Sportal
A health care information service has been launched by past players' association the AFL X-Men to provide health, lifestyle and medical advice to former VFL/AFL players.
The service, which was launched with the support of the AFL and AFL Players' Association on Wednesday, will initially be trialled in Victoria but is eventually intended to reach retired players all over Australia.
The AFL X-Men, a combined association of past players and officials, is already representing 6000 registered former players. Its programs have been endorsed by the likes of Ron Barassi, Bob Skilton, Ken Hunter, Karl Langdon and Wayne Carey.
In consultation with a range of medical experts, the AFL X-Men have launched a fitness information website that addresses nutrition, wellbeing and rehabilitation matters of relevance to ex-football players.
As part of the health care service initiative, numerous AFL endorsed medical staff have agreed to treat AFL X-Men at reduced rates. And the AFL X-Men website provides advice on various health issues including obesity, back pain and stress management.
"In one stroke of the pen, this service has restored their dignity and a lot of players have felt that once your use-by date is up that's it. But now we're saying we want to know about you, we want to know about your injuries, we want to be able to help you," AFL X-Men spokesman Ron O'Dwyer said on Wednesday.
"And you'll see them start coming back to the fold. There's no doubt about that."
"We're looking for information that we can act on. So there will be continuous research and surveys going on as people come through the system."
Out-going president of the AFL Players' Association Rob Kerr said this was an important concept for ex-players.
"We certainly recognise the contribution of past players in building the game, and today's players are clearly the beneficiaries of what the past players did and achieved in their careers."
"Clearly we recognise that the game leaves some players with life-long ailments and that any service that can assist players in maintaining their health will be well received," Kerr said.
"In addition to the toll that the game can make at different times men's health is an important issue in itself."