Pickleball is exploding in popularity—so much that it’s now the fastest growing sport in America. But with more paddles on the court comes more injuries, especially for those just starting out or returning to the sport after a long break.

Here are some tips to help players stay safe and strong, while enjoying the competition, from

James N. Gladstone, MD, Chief of Sports Medicine, and Shawn G. Anthony, MD, MBA, Associate Chief of Sports Medicine. One key takeaway: Even small changes in your routines can make a big difference.

1. Warm Up Before You Play
   Preparing your body before hitting the court is key to preventing injuries and improving performance. “Even though pickleball is low impact, it involves quick bursts of movement and sudden changes in direction,” says Dr. Gladstone. “A proper warm-up like light jogging, dynamic stretches, or shoulder rolls can reduce your risk of injury.” 

2. Build Strength Off the Court
   Strong muscles support joints and help prevent overuse injuries, especially in areas that are prone to injury such as shoulders, knees, and ankles. “Strength training for your core, legs, and rotator cuff muscles provides stability and helps prevent injuries,” says Dr. Anthony. “Even 15 minutes a few times a week can make a noticeable difference on the court.” 

3. Don’t Skip Mobility and Flexibility
   Keeping muscles and joints flexible lowers your risk of strains and tears. Dr. Gladstone recommends incorporating exercises like hamstring stretches, yoga, or foam rolling into your weekly routine. “Pickleball involves a lot of lateral movement and quick pivots,” he says. “Flexibility helps your body respond safely to those sudden shifts.” 

4. Listen to Your Body
   Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t right. “Soreness or discomfort after a game can be normal, but sharp or persistent pain should never be ignored. Playing through it often makes the injury worse and can delay recovery,” says Dr. Anthony. 

5. Ease Into the Game
   For beginners and players returning after a break, gradually increasing time on the court is essential to staying well before and after the game. “Give your body time to adjust,” says Dr. Gladstone. “Start with shorter matches and slowly build up your playing time as your strength and endurance improve.”

The Mount Sinai Sports Medicine team provides expert care for players of all levels, from advanced treatments and surgeries to proven rehabilitation techniques. Whether you’re looking to prevent injuries, recover quickly, or get back to the activities you love, Mount Sinai specialists can help you stay active and enjoy your time on the court.

Prescription weight loss drugs have grown in popularity since receiving approval from the Food and Drug Administration to help manage blood sugars and weight loss. However, like many drugs, these GLP-1 medications can come with potential side effects, and recent studies show they may cause vision changes.

While using these drugs can speed weight loss, patients should be aware of the potential risks and the health benefits associated with these drugs. When it comes to eye health, preliminary research indicates some concerning side effects such as blurred vision and a condition called anterior ischemic optic neuropathy,where blow flow to the eye is blocked. This class of medications has also been linked to worsening the risk of developing wet macular degeneration.

“While more studies are needed to fully understand the long-term benefits and risks of GLP-1 medications and eye health, current consensus is the overall health benefits for patients using this medication outweighs the risk of potential ocular complications,” says Nazanin Barzideh, MD, Retina Specialist at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. People who use GLP-1 medications to control their diabetes should see their ophthalmologist to monitor their eye health, she says.

Nazanin Barzideh, MD

In this Q&A, Dr. Barzideh, MD, addresses some key questions about GLP-1 medications (which includes drugs such as Ozempic® and Wegovy®) and their potential effects on vision and eye health.

How do these medications work?

These medications promote insulin production and decreases blood sugar levels, which can lead to better diabetes control and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease while promoting weight loss. They are called GLP-1 medications because they mimic the action of a hormone called GLP-1. They contain the active pharmaceutical ingredient known by its chemical name, semaglutide.

Can GLP-1 weight loss drugs cause vision issues?

One of the side effects that some patients may experience is blurred vision. Changes to blood glucose levels can affect the shape of the eye’s lens that may cause blurred vision. Often older adults are more likely to experience blurred vision when they start taking the medication because the eye’s lens is less flexible as we get older, and it takes the body longer to adjust to changes in blood sugar levels. Therefore, it takes longer to stabilize vision. This is side effect is temporary and usually resolves in three to four months.

Can these drugs cause blindness?

There’s no direct evidence that these medications cause blindness. But some studies suggest a potential link to a condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which can lead to vision loss. NAION is a type of “eye stroke” where blood flow to the optic nerve is reduced or blocked, causing sudden, painless vision loss, often in one eye. The risk of occurrence of NAION is low with this class of medication. Patients with smaller optic discs, part of the optic nerve, are at higher risk of developing NAION. The risk for NAION is also higher the first year of use of this class of medication. Regular eye exams are suggested while patients are on this class of medication.

More research is being done to investigate whether GLP-1 medications affect blood flow or oxygen levels in the eye, which could increase a patients’ risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and/or have a negative implication for patients who already have nAMD. Researchers also want to learn more about the long-term ocular effects of prolonged exposure. Whether you take GLP-1 drugs for weight loss or to treat diabetes, it is important to control your blood sugar at a steady pace and consult an ophthalmologist if you experience any changes in your vision.

What are the ocular risks of taking GLP-1 over the long term?

The long-term ocular safety of GLP-1 medications requires further investigation to determine whether prolonged exposure could play a part in increasing risk.

Does prolonged use of GLP-1 medications affect patients who have diabetic retinopathy?

The implications of long-term use of GLP-1 medication and diabetic retinopathy progression requires further study. Diabetic retinopathy involves damage to small blood vessels in the retina. For most patients, the cardiovascular and blood sugar control benefit of these drugs outweigh the small risk of retinopathy progression.  In the long term, the diabetic retinopathy will be better controlled with improved diabetic control. This is consistent with current American Academy of Ophthalmology guidelines. Patients should discuss their concerns with their health care providers, who can assess the potential risks and benefits in the context of their individual overall health needs.

If you are headed outdoors to play sports or just to relax in the park or go for a walk, it’s important to take precautions. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure during outdoor play can contribute to premature aging and increase your risk of skin cancer, even among when you may feel protected by short outings or staying mostly in shaded areas.

Banu Farabi, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, offers five tips for staying safe in the sun.

“Combining prevention with early detection offers the best protection. Protecting your skin during outdoor activities helps minimize UV damage. Be sure and get regular skin screenings too.  As with all cancers, early detection of skin cancer is key to effective treatment,” she says. “Sunscreen, regular self-monitoring and dermatologist visits are habits that lay the groundwork for long-term skin health.

1. Broad-Spectrum, Water-Resistant Sunscreen (SPF 30+)

Sunscreen is always your first line of defense. It’s important to choose a broad-spectrum formula with SPF 30 or higher to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply every two hours, and more frequently if you’re sweating. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin—don’t forget often-missed areas like the ears, neck, and the backs of your hands. UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. 

2. UPF Clothing

If you prefer not to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, wearing Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) clothing is one option. A shirt with UPF 50 blocks about 98 percent of UV rays. Athletic wear made from tightly woven fabrics like polyester or nylon offers great natural protection. Darker colors tend to block more UV light than lighter ones. 

3. SPF Lip Balm

Your lips are just as vulnerable to sun damage as the rest of your skin. “I often see patients who are surprised to learn skin cancer can develop on the lips,” says Dr. Farabi. “Using an SPF 30 or higher lip balm is a small step that makes a big difference.” Reapply during the day, especially after eating or drinking. 

4. Protective Hat

A hat shields your face, scalp, and neck—areas that can be difficult to protect yourself with sunscreen alone. Bucket hats or wide-brim styles provide the most coverage. If you prefer a cap, it will help to have UPF-rated fabric. Avoid loosely woven straw hats, which let UV light through. 

5. UV-Blocking Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a necessity. UV rays can damage your eyes and contribute to cataracts and eyelid skin cancer. Choose lenses labeled for 100 percent UVA/UVB protection to keep your vision safe while reducing glare.