accessed instantly by an on-site cardiologist or later by a player’s regular doctor. And the tests have changed.
“We started off very cardiovascular heavy, because that’s our biggest issue,” Rogowski said. But retired players suggested adding orthopedic care, so the screenings now have an imaging machine and on-site orthopedist.
Asked whether the program might have lessons for the broader public, Rogowski said the key is getting people connected with the health care system. “I think just getting plugged in, getting proactive on your health and identifying the people in your area who are specialists goes such a long way.”
That’s a message Catchings tells his fellow retired players when urging them to get checked out.
“Because if you take stuff lightly,” he said, “then there’s no telling what could happen down the road.”
