Pickleball Pains: When Fun Meets the ER

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Pickle…Problems

Ok, I’ll admit it… I was a pickleball hater. I mean, come on, it’s pickleball.

I like to consider myself fairly athletic. Like, hold my beer while I backstroke across this retention pond, athletic. So the thought of a game where players barely seemed to shuffle two feet? Yeah, I wasn’t impressed.

Then one of my son’s friends challenged me. Of course, I accepted. I was going to crush him. No sweat, no contest.

Cut to one sticky afternoon later: I’d just survived what can only be described as full-contact pickleball in 1,000-degree Florida heat. And you know what? A new respect was born. Turns out, pickleball isn’t the shuffle game I thought it was. It’s like tennis on a smaller court with a shorter paddle, quirky rules, and a ball that laughs at physics.

After watching a few former tennis pros dominate the sport online, I realized I’d been wrong. I just hadn’t seen real pickleball yet. So when I read the report on pickleball injuries, it made sense.

Dr. Michael Nguyen, an ER physician at Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital in St. Pete, says they treat at least one pickleball injury a week. Not paper cuts from the rulebook either, we’re talking sprains, broken ankles, and knee injuries from all the diving and sliding. Nationwide, injuries have skyrocketed, with an 11-fold increase between 2010 and 2019. Women over 60 are hit hardest, especially with fractures, and 92% of broken bones happen while chasing down the ball.

The advice? Treat it like a real sport. Warm up, wear proper shoes, avoid slick courts, and yes, consider protective eyewear. (That last one’s a pass for me.)

Things to do

🐝 WHAT’S BUZZING AROUND TOWN 🐝

HVAC CAREER FAIR

Looking for a career in HVAC? Southern Technical College is opening the doors for students, graduates, and local companies at their Quarterly HVAC Career Fair on Tuesday, August 20, with sessions at 10 AM and 6 PM.

The event is designed to connect employers with new talent, provide opportunities for on-the-spot job interviews, and give future technicians a chance to meet companies that are hiring. For students and recent grads, it’s not just about landing a job—it’s also a way to see which businesses are invested in supporting local training programs.

Employers who attend will not only meet fresh candidates but also show their support for the next generation of skilled HVAC professionals.

When: Tuesday, August 20, at 10 AM and 6 PM
Where: Southern Technical College – Brandon, 608 E Bloomingdale Ave, Brandon, FL 33511
Who: Public – anyone on or off Facebook

THE BEES KNEES

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Local Sports

Schedules coming soon.

A Final Note

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Until next time,

Buzzing Local