Dr. Alton L.Thygerson was born and raised in Texas where as a high school senior he won the Texas State 100-yard and 220-yard dashes. He attended BYU on an athletic scholarship and was a conference champ in the 100-yard dash. As of 2006 he has taught a total of 43 years: BYU, Chabot College (CA), and Cambell Union High School Disctrict (CA). His five sons have all gone into a health or safety related field. He has authored over 40 books for various organizations such as--the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), National Safety Council, Wilderness Medical Society, American Heart Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Thygerson has also authored 1,200 Deseret News weekly articles.