Your Health: Surprise! Hockey players get hurt

Body-check bluesAmid hoopla over the Stanley Cup, a study shows ice hockey has one of the highest injury rates in youth sports - mainly due to that fan favorite, body-checking.A study of 11- and 12-year-olds in Canada (where else, eh?) found that playing in a league that allowed body-checking resulted in three times more injuries overall than in leagues that did not, including severe concussion and other serious injuries.The study, in the Journal of the American Medical Association, noted that small players were most at risk of injury.Stressed out?Are you over-stressed? Signs you might be overdoing it, courtesy of Prevention magazine:bull;Bizarre dreams. Lay off the alcohol and caffeine late at night.bull;Bleeding gums or a sore jaw, which can be a sign of grinding your teeth at night. A dentist can check and fit you with a mouth guard.bull;Awful period cramps. The most stressed-out women are twice as likely to get painful cramps.bull;Worse-than-usual allergies, acne, sweet cravings, belly aches and itchy skin.What to do? Take a break, get off the phone, get some exercise or a walk, and get a massage.Parkinson's seminarPatients with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers can learn about the disease and its consequences at a free seminar sponsored by Central DuPage Hospital.The seminar will address understanding the cognitive and emotional effects of the disease; sleep disturbances; maintaining intimacy; how to survive caregiving; and resources for home health, nursing facilities, estate planning and more.The event will be from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and includes continental breakfast, at the Westin Chicago Northwest, 400 Park Blvd., Itasca.To register, call (630) 933-4234.Ambulatory infectionsLapses in infection control are an issue at some ambulatory surgical centers, judging by a recent study.Between 2001 and 2008, such centers increased by more than 50 percent nationwide, to more than 5,000, performing more than 6 million procedures in a year.State agencies are responsible for inspections, but don't necessarily observe procedures.Of 68 centers reviewed, according to a study of the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services, two-thirds had at least one lapse in infection control; a dozen had lapses in three or more categories.Common lapses included using single-dose medication vials for more than one patient and errors in handling medical equipment.Teen vaccinationsThose 18 and under can get vaccines against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap); varicella (chickenpox); and meningitis at the McHenry County Department of Health, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 15 at 100 N. Virginia St., Crystal Lake. The cost is $15 per vaccine, and Medicaid is accepted. Vaccination records are required, and those under 18 need a parent or guardian. For information, call (815) 334-4536.