Watch Now: Miami Heat Talks Health at Coral Gables Chamber

(VIDEO: Miami Heat stars talk healthy habits and share their outlook for the 2015 season at the Coral Gables Chamber Trustees luncheon.)

The Miami Heat kicks off their 2015 training camp with a renewed sense of optimism. The off-season signing of team leader and self proclaimed “Heat lifer” Dwyane Wade, and the return of all-star Chris Bosh from blood clots in one of his lungs, should anchor a talented team.

Some other crucial components of this year’s squad participated in the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Trustee luncheon at the Biltmore Hotel. The event was sponsored by Miami Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute in partnership with the Miami Heat.

Point guard Goran Dragic, center Hassan Whiteside and forward Udonis Haslem participated in a candid discussion about how they stay healthy before, during and after the grueling NBA schedule. The players were joined by the man that is charged with keeping them in the game, Harlan Selesnick, M.D., orthopedic surgeon and team physician for the Miami Heat. Dr. Selesnick is part of Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute. Moderating the chat was Nelson Lazo, CEO of Doctors Hospital.

The players discussed the importance of watching their nutritional intake to maintain their optimal playing weight. One other tip they shared was the incorporation of stretching into their daily routine to help reduce their risk of injuries.

Dr. Selesnick pointed out the importance of treating injuries as soon as they develop to keep them from affecting these high-caliber athletes’ ability to play. He also shared a tip for the “weekend warrior” who engages in sporadic exercise, “make sure to stretch out,” he said. He added that the weekend athlete should “start slowly and build up their endurance gradually.”

The Baptist Health South Florida News team was there to capture their message. Watch it now.