Who is ready for the Big Game this Sunday? While many fans have been getting ready by planning super bowl parties the New England Patriots and New York Giants have trained hard and getting ready for the big rematch. As you may already know football is an extremely fast-moving sport that puts a premium on excellent concentration, timing, reflexes and balance–all of which are helped by vision training. Every position can use vision training to increase concentration, balance and reflexes. For example, here are some common problems that may be attributed to poor vision skills: poor timing on passes, difficulty finding the open player, difficulty making secondary reads, high interception rates and problems reading the defensive sets. All players go through a vision training, especially the quarterbacks, since a split-second decision can be the difference between a touchdown and an interception. I came across this article online on LiveStrong.com that touches briefly on the importance of vision training for quarterbacks. Check it out; it’s an interesting read. Most importantly, be sure to check out the game on Sunday to see who will be victorious… The Patriots or The Giants!
Archive for the ‘sports’ Category
Ready for the Big Game this Sunday?
Posted on February 3rd, 2012 by Rudy RGroundhog Day–Can You See Punxsutawney Phil’s Shadow?
Posted on February 1st, 2012 by Nancy D
Groundhog Day 2012–Phil will leave his burrow tomorrow at 7:20 a.m. (EST) at Gobblers Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. He will observe the weather conditions and look for his shadow. If he sees his shadow, we get six more weeks of the good stuff. If not, spring will be right around the corner.
For those of use who love winter sports, we hope he sees that shadow. We’d like to keep the good times rolling (or shredding) on the slopes.
While there’s little science behind Phil’s prediction (tradition reigns), there is substance behind seeing the slope shadows to keep us safe and coordinated. If you haven’t opted to change the tint in your eyewear lens when ripping it up on the slopes, you’re missing out. Amber or rose ski goggle lenses or glasses enhance soft grays that mark shadows on a ski slope. Because these shadows indicate ridges or bumps in the surface, skiers and snowboarders “read” them to decide when to turn, so they won’t catch an edge and fall. Missing a mogul could be disastrous to your body and maybe your ego.
So, on February 2, (at least while Phil is emerging from his den), don your rose-colored glasses and keep your fingers crossed for more snow. Then, keep them over those baby-blues and shred–safely.
Learn more about how tints affect vision in the Center.
Tyreke Evans talks Jimmer, Kings, and more in exclusive interview with Yahoo! Sports Radio
Posted on January 9th, 2012 by Alex
Tyreke Evans drives to the hoop - Photo Credit: Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images
NBA star Tyreke Evans recently spoke about his return to the court following the NBA lockout, the current state of his Sacramento Kings and vision drills that help his game during his interview with Yahoo! Sports Radio on Sunday. Want to know what he thinks of his new teammate, former BYU phenom Jimmer Fredette, or his new head coach, Keith Smart? Curious about what his favorite sports vision drill is? Learn more by listening to Tyreke’s interview below.
If you catch the sports vision drill Tyreke used to do with his brother, email it to prteam@vsp.com and you’ll be entered to win an item autographed by Tyreke!
Click the gray arrow to play the interview:
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About Tyreke Evans and VSP Vision Care:
VSP Vision Care is proud to be the exclusive eyecare and eyewear provider for Tyreke Evans. Tyreke plays professional basketball for the Sacramento Kings and was named 2010 Rookie of the Year. He’s the fourth rookie ever to average 20 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds per game. The only other players to accomplish this were Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Not only is good vision a critical component for being successful in sports, it’s also an important part of every day life. Be sure to follow VSP Vision Care on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with Tyreke’s Activities.
Extreme Eyecare: Winter Sports Protection
Posted on December 27th, 2011 by Nancy D
As we experience winter weather conditions, through the flurry of disgruntled travelers and burst pipes, there are those among us who are raising our mulled wine glasses in glee…winter sport enthusiasts unite!
However, as we take to the slopes with childlike abandon, the cold snap brings its own challenges for the outdoorsman (and woman) and one hazard that’s easy to forget—protecting our eyes. That’s surprising, considering eye injuries are a common injury suffered during ski and snowboarding activities, and the glare from the snow can make it very difficult to see where you’re headed.
The surface of our eyes often become irritated by harsh winds, and snow sport enthusiasts should protect their eyes using properly fitted, sports-rated eyewear that filters out 100% of UV light. Those with less than perfect vision benefit from the availability of prescription goggles. In either case, the risks of not protecting your eyes include keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), conjunctivitis, and retina damage, not to mention direct injury to the eye.
While our body is able to repair much of the damage we do it, the lens of the eye can’t repair itself. The risk of irreversible damage is too high to risk. We also have a tendency to think the sun is less intense during the dark winter months, but the winter sun sits lower in the sky and exposure can actually increase.
So, while you raise your glass to toast the winter events, remember it’s a lot more fun when you can clearly see the smiling faces around you celebrating a day on the slopes together.
Visit The Center to learn more about keeping your sight safe this winter.
Blind Athletes Compete in California International Marathon
Posted on December 6th, 2011 by Dan T
Dan from VSP guiding Mr. Hooper
This past weekend, I was a guide runner for one of the visually impaired athletes in the California International Marathon. His name was Mr. Hooper, a retired U.S. Army veteran from Houston,Texas, and he was a member of the Unites States Association of Blind Athletes. I learned a lot about Mr. Hooper, including that he went 30 years without going in for an eye exam. After experiencing worsening vision, he finally went in and was diagnosed with advanced glaucoma; he would progressively lose his vision.
Mr. Hooper’s determination to overcome his glaucoma was an inspiration. The joy of being out on our Sacramento roads was clear on his face, from start to finish, because his training was confined to a treadmill. I was proud to be a Sacramentan during the run because we got vocal, enthusiastic support all along our leg of the relay.
I have run a ton of races from 5Ks to Marathons, UltraMarathons, roads, trails and everything in between. I only ran 5.9 miles with Mr. Hooper, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had in my running career. As a fellow veteran, I sincerely felt honored to be able to team up with this Vietnam veteran. I will now also value my eye sight and my ability to run long distances a lot more from this day forward.
The USABA, California International Marathon, our local providers, and VSP made a difference in the lives of some amazing athletes this weekend and drove home, in vivid detail, that the work we do does make a difference in people’s lives.
VSP worked with Dr. Ernie Takahashi, a VSP provider who is an avid supporter of the athletes, and the USABA to help support the runners in this marathon. A special thanks to everyone who participated.
Not Limited by Visual Impairments
Posted on December 3rd, 2011 by Jessica H.
I’m attending a dinner on tonight to celebrate the individuals who will be participating in the California International Marathon—one of only 3 races for the people who are blind in the nation this year. Runners from the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes will be participating. The race takes place tomorrow, and it’s a really great opportunity for these athletes to showcase their abilities, regardless of their visual impairments. Each runner has a guide to help safely navigate the course. As a runner myself, I volunteered to help lead but wasn’t fast enough to be of service; these are hardcore athletes.
I was inspired. So I started wondering what other people have accomplished regardless of their visual impairments. Did you know Andrea Bocelli became blind after a football injury when he was 12? And Harriet Tubman also received a head wound that left her with a visual impairment. Check out the list and read more details. I think you’ll be impressed!
Nike Vision…it really is better!
Posted on November 21st, 2011 by Nancy D
Oh my! Who knew there was so much to a sportswear lens? I am not an elite athlete, so I’ve never been in a position to know that my eyewear could mean the difference between winning a race, hitting a hole-in-one, or digging a sweet hit out of the sand. But it can and it does. The science and technology behind what each lens can do for the athlete’s vision is amazing.
I recently attended an employee brownbag to learn about Nike Vision lenses. Among other things, they demonstrated how and why the different technologies are important to an athlete’s success: the lens, tint, weight, temple, shape, and more. They all work together to create superior and intensely clear line of vision for athletes around the world and in every sport.
Experiencing Nike this way got me pumped not just to pay closer attention to how I see while participating in activities, but it also lit a fire bringing out my inner athlete. Like Nike says, “if you have a body, you’re an athlete.” I better get to it. I wonder how it will change my game and what I’ve really been missing.
And don’t forget you can use your VSP benefits for genuine Nike lenses.
Pablo Sadoval of San Francisco Giants has eye surgery
Posted on November 18th, 2011 by Jessica H.
The San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval underwent laser surgery on his left eye today. He had tried contact lenses and sports eyewear, but found them disruptive, according to the full article.
Learn more about sports eyewear.
Read about St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jason Motte‘s eye troubles.
Get Creative with Your VSP Benefits
Posted on November 17th, 2011 by fashionmaven
If your company offers VSP Vision Care, you should be aware of the creative options available when using the materials (lens and frame) portion of your benefit. I’m here to tell you it goes beyond your everyday glasses. There are a variety of prescription needs that can be addressed by changing your mindset about what your benefits can do for you. For example, let’s say your prescription hasn’t changed, your everyday pair of glasses are in great shape and you still love the style…yet you wish you could get:
Sunwear – cut down on squinting and harmful UVA/UVB rays by opting for prescription sunglasses.
Computer glasses – help reduce eyestrain while using computers and other digital devices with a mild prescription which can help combat symptoms of computer vision syndrome.
Sports glasses – stay on top of your game and keep your eyes safe with prescription sports goggles or wrap around styles rated for sports play.
Safety glasses – maybe you do a little wood work, welding or serious gardening in your spare time and need to protect those peepers with a pair safety glasses.
And the list goes on. Talk with your VSP doctor and get creative with your lens and frame benefits through your VSP plan. Wishes do come true! And don’t forget–you can use your flexible spending account (FSA) dollars for prescription eyewear.
Fashion Maven
Tyreke Evans Shoots Hoops for Troops
Posted on November 4th, 2011 by David C
Tyreke Evans sports a vest on the USO tour
This past week, Tyreke Evans took a weeklong tour in Hawaii with the USO to show support for the troops. Tyreke joined seven other top names in basketball—Derrick Rose, D.J. Augustin, Al Horford, Robin Lopez, Brook Lopez, JaVale McGee, and Mike Miller—on the tour. Throughout the week, the stars led basketball clinics for children, toured military facilities, and played one-on-one with service members. The players also faced off in two intense games, with Tyreke scoring the winning point in one of them! I talked with Tyreke just after he returned and asked him a few questions about his experience.
Why did you get involved with the USO Hoops for Troops?
I got involved to support the troops and families who give up so much for the freedom we enjoy.
Tyreke jumps to make a shot during one of the USO games. Photo courtesy of the USO.
What was your favorite part of the trip?
I liked talking to the troops about their war experiences. Most of the guys I talked to were around my age.
How did you like playing in the basketball games while you were there?
It was an honor to perform for our troops.
I saw some pictures of the players trying on military gear. What were you doing?
We played a simulated game at the barracks. Brook Lopez put on the armor piercing suit and got bit by the attack dog like they do in training.
Did you get to meet anyone in particular that stood out?
One of the wives told me that I was her husband’s favorite player. I played basketball with their son at the kids’ clinic, and she said her husband was currently stationed overseas and would be happy to hear about this.
What was the overall experience like for you?
I was a baby when my brother, Doc, served in Desert Storm. This made me appreciate him even more now that I’m older and understand what these troops do for the love of our country.
Check out some more photos from the event below.
Tyreke gathers with troops and other players while in Hawaii. Photo courtesy of the USO.
Tyreke and other NBA stars hold a basketball clinic for children. Photo courtesy of the USO.
Tyreke and the other NBA players gather around a tank. Photo courtesy of the USO.
The children practice drills during a basketball clinic.
Tyreke signs autographs at one of the USO games.
For more information about the USO, to learn more about Hoops for Troops, or to see more photos of the tour, visit the USO homepage.
About Tyreke Evans and VSP Vision Care:
VSP Vision Care is proud to be the exclusive eyecare and eyewear provider for Tyreke Evans. Tyreke plays professional basketball for the Sacramento Kings and was named 2010 Rookie of the Year. He’s the fourth rookie ever to average 20 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds per game. The only other players to accomplish this were Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Not only is good vision a critical component for being successful in sports, it’s also an important part of every day life. Be sure to follow VSP Vision Care on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with Tyreke’s Activities.