News

November 2010

"Heart Screens for Teens"

BreakAway Speed Sports Training has joined with the "Heart Screens for Teens" program offered by Digirad in our area.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Cost:  $65.00

The "Heart Screens for Teens" program is focused on pre-screening teenage athletes for what is called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, or HCM.  This is a heart muscle disorder that affects 1 in 500 people and is the leading cause of cardiac arrest in the United States.  This disorder affects people of all ages and usually manifests itself before the age of 20 years.

As you probably have already seen or read in the news, many athletes around the country have fallen victim to this disorder during athletic events.  Unfortunately, these athletes often do not survive, but it can be avoided.  What "Heart Screens for Teens" offer is an opportunity to provide parents the peace of mind that when their student athlete steps foot on a playing field they will not become one of those unfortunate statistics.

 

The "Heart Screens for Teens" echocardiogram exam is simple, safe, and requires no preparation and takes only 10 to 15 minutes.  The confidential results are analyzed by a board-certified cardiologist and a report is prepared for parents.  Normally, the cost of this echocardiogram can range anywhere from $800 to $1,200 and is usually not covered by insurance.  "Heart Screens for Teens", however, is able to provide this potentially life saving service to parents for $65 per heart screen.  The $65 goes toward covering the expenses that Digirad incurs to provide the equipment and the technologist, as well as compensation for the cardiologist to interpret the studies.

 

If an athlete cannot afford the cost of the screen, they can be referred to Westlake Fire Department in Katy, Texas. They have a fund set up to help pay for the screens.

Channel 11, KHOU did a story on the screening service a few months back.  Here is a link to the news feature: Teen Heart Screenings.

 

You may also check the "Heart Screens for Teens" website for additional information.

The attached flyer gives you information for making an appointment for your child's screening.

Heart Screens for Teens @ BreakAway Speed Sports Training

 

August 2010

Kids Krav-Maga

"So that one may be a better person"

Krav Maga (pronounced krahv muhGAH) is a self-defense system out of Israel.  Krav Maga teaches people, young and old, how to defend themselves and their beloved ones against a variety of dangers and threats.

Who is Kids’ Krav Maga for?

Kids’ Krav Maga is for all girls and boys, ages 4-15 years old (BreakAway Speed is set up for ages 10-16)..

What will Krav Maga do for my child?

Kids’ Krav Maga will help prepare your child for some of life’s challenges.  For little ones this includes the difference between strangers and friends, crossing the road, and the dangers of electricity.  Older children will also learn what to do about bullies, kidnappers and other serious threats.  These classes will also build confidence within the child and respect for authority for all ages.

“So that one may be a better person” really is something we strive to instill.

How does it work?

First, we stress avoidance of a confrontation; if we can keep the peace, we will.  Under no circumstances do we encourage children to look for ways to use their “skills”.  When they don’t have a choice, we have defenses to help them escape a situation.

Kids learn through games, problem solving, and repetition to keep them challenged and motivated, and they get a great workout!

Try a free class!  Check out our class schedule!

 

June 2010

New Baseball Instructor

BreakAway Speed Sports Training is pleased to announce that beginning June 21, 2010, Jorge Garza will be joining our staff.

Jorge Garza was an award-winning prep head coach at Lamar Senior

High prior to joining the University of Houston. After taking over the reins in August 1998, he built a program which earned three District championships (2005, 2004, 2002) and six Bi-District crowns (2000-05) and compiled an impressive 158-57 record during his tenure.  His other accomplishments at Lamar include:

•      Houston Athletic Committee Coach of the Year - 2002 and  2004
•      District 17-5a Coach of the Year - 2002
•      District 18-5a Coach of the Year - 2004
•      HABCA All Star Coach-2000
•      39 players went on to play college baseball
•      5 former Lamar players in College World Series
•     12 former Lamar players have either played or are currently playing professional baseball, including one major leaguer          
•     2 players from Lamar went on to be first round draft picks

Jorge's coaching experience and success at the high school level brought him as Assistant Coach at the University of Houston from 2005 to 2010.  There, he coached the hitters and infielders helping the University of Houston win the 2008 CUSA Championships.  He also coached in 2 NCAA Regionals including the 2008 Regional final in College Station.

During his time at U of H, he coached the national player of the year and 13 more players who were drafted and have played or are currently playing professional baseball. 

This also included another first round draft pick and another major leaguer.

Jorge is a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association, Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association and the Houston Area Baseball Coaches Association.

Coach Garza is available:

      Monday:      2:00 PM to 7:00 PM

      Tuesday:     2:00 PM to 7:00 PM

      Thursday:    2:00 PM to 7:00 PM

      Friday:        1:00 PM to 6:00 PM

      Saturday:    10:00 AM to 2:00 PM