Brief History, Professional Football Helmet

Although Professional Football originally got its roots 125 years ago (November 12, 1892), it wasn't arguably until the 1970s that the pro football helmet finally started to offer a significant level of head protection for the players.

The first attempts at any cranial protection were simple leather helmets that were so pliable and thin, that they could be folded up and stuck in the player's pocket. The technology was slow to respond over the next several decades, but eventually included thicker leather, some interior padding, and a chin strap - all of which stayed the norm until the 1950s.  

However, the athletes did have access to a hard leather nose guard, which more resembled a piece of equipment normally used to protect another part of the players (ahem... more important) anatomy.

The 1950s / 1960s saw the infusion of plastic helmets, with a bit more and enhanced interior padding, along with a single face bar.  Better and more complete face guards, stronger plastics, and impact-resistant foam wouldn't make it on the field until the latter part of the 1970s and into the 1980s.

With such enhanced computer technology, ever-improving high density foams, carbon fiber, and hardened plastic materials, today's NFL helmets (as with the rest of the gear) is now offering a tremendous level of impact protection as never before.

2014 Professional Football Helmet

When we have such an invigorating sport that involves bone-crushing hits as a matter of routine, it's imperative that we continue to safeguard the health of our top sports athletes.  Football is a game that we love.  Let's protect our players accordingly - for their sake, and for the sake of the Game.

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Disclaimer:  This information has been provided by Dr. Kevin Crawford, Lubbock Sports Medicine as general information only. It is not intended for any patient or specific situation.  Exercise with care and under a doctor's supervision.

Lubbock Sports Medicine

Dr. Kevin Crawford, MD
4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79409

(806) 792-4329

Diet & Exercise - A Symbiotic Relationship

While up in the mountains recently with some other families, I had the chance to go for a three mile "jog" with our friend, Cassidy. We were up in the mountains at about 8,500 ft altitude, so I was a bit tentative about jogging at such an altitude in the first place.  In the second place, I'm not a big runner.  Oh well, big hills or not... gotta got for it.

Now, Cassidy is no slouch when it comes to running. She typically runs anywhere from four to eight miles a day, has done a number of 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and 4 full marathons.  I guess that I should have selected my running partner a bit more carefully, and I certainly did not want to slow her down. 

Even though I didn't want to mess up Cassidy's "pace mojo".  She was actually great - pushed me, but didn't make me feel like a slow-poke! Between our (I mean my) huffing and puffing, we started to talk about exercising in general, and how a strategic and sensible diet supports one's fitness goals. Of course, there always exists this "symbiotic" relationship between exercise and diet.

At that time, Cassidy pointed to her small paunch.  Sensing my confusion as to why someone like her even had a little belly, she conveyed, "I love wine and beer too much, so my paunch will never go away".  Yep, makes sense. Now, if she gave up the wine and beer, along with brats, burgers, and the occasional fries, she would  no doubt sport a phenomenal six pack (pun intended).  Footnote:  Cassidy is from Wisconsin, home of great beer & brats! It all comes down to what we want, and what we are happy with. But, we do need to fuel our bodies appropriately.

Certainly, the more physical demands we place on our body, the importance of proper nutrition is elevated. Otherwise, the body can't keep up with the physical demands, or we are prevented from achieving our ultimate fitness goals. And, that's a great place to begin... Goals.

Why do you exercise in the first place?  Do you want a killer beach body?  Do you wish to become more athletic?  Or, is exercising simply a great habit of yours?  If you're the the type driven towards building one of those hard beach bodies, then your total diet becomes a highly-defined endeavor.  You need to ensure sufficient nutrition for muscle growth and sustainability, but also continuously watch your calorie and fat intake.

If you are simply looking to become more athletic, then you may not be so dedicated to consistently following a highly-defined diet. For example, there are many professional heavyweight boxers who are in phenomenal shape, and who have developed tremendous endurance.  Some of them just like cheeseburgers much more than tofu, so they will never achieve a six pack. Of course, we men all feel that we have a six-pack, but it's just covered up by a few burritos!

The main thing is to get your body moving, and to eat sensibly. We all know what "sensibly" means. No matter what your health goals are, just remember that whatever you put in your body will either help you are dramatically reduce your chances of achieving the physique or athleticism that you desire.

Written by Robert Callesen

Live life to its Fullest!

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Disclaimer:  This information has been provided by Dr. Kevin Crawford, Lubbock Sports Medicine as general information only. It is not intended for any patient or specific situation.  Exercise with care and under a doctor's supervision.

Lubbock Sports Medicine

Dr. Kevin Crawford, MD
4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79409

(806) 792-4329