As the sports scene become more competitive, today’s young athletes are pushed more and more aggressively to succeed. Many athletes — and their parents — hold the dream of signing million-dollar contracts and playing in the big leagues.

With increased competition comes a higher risk of injury, especially seen with young baseball pitchers. Common ailments include tearing of the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow or medial epicondyle apopysitis (Little League elbow) in the throwing arm. These injuries often result in surgery and require physical therapy prior to returning to play. Studies have shown that college pitchers were much more prone to injury if they experienced a prior injury during youth play.

(Welcome to our pet column, courtesy of Pet Connection Programs Inc. of Marilla. We post a new article each week, so be sure to check back on a regular basis!)

While the season's warmer weather offers great opportunity for games of fetch with Fido, it also brings increased risk from exposure to pests, particularly ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and stinging insects. Safeguarding dogs and cats begins with discussions with your veterinarian, but in addition to prescribed healthcare repellents and preventatives, there are several things that can be done to make your yard inhospitable to the stinging, biting troublemakers.