Even football players, such as former Houston...

Even football players, such as former Houston Oiler running back Earl Campbell, can experience panic attacks.

Such bouts--characterized by dizziness, rapid heartbeat and intense fear--can be overcome, Campbell and a psychiatrist will tell the public during a free presentation at the Los Angeles County Arboretum Tuesday.

Campbell, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1977 and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame this year, had his first attack three years ago, according to officials at Las Encinas Hospital in Pasadena, which is sponsoring the program.

The retired football great initially mistook his symptoms for a heart attack. For a time, he was reluctant to venture outside of his home.

Campbell, who now is

assistant to the athletic director at the University of Texas-Austin, said he has since learned how to cope with panic attacks.

“Being afraid to take the bus or travel on a plane made me miss a lot of opportunities,” he said in a hospital press release. “Now I rarely turn anything down.”

Campbell is a member of the speakers’ bureau of the Upjohn Co., which is underwriting the program. Joining Campbell will be psychiatrist Edward Castner, who will speak on methods of panic attack treatment, such as counseling to help patients control their fears, and the temporary use of medication.

The program will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at 301 N. Baldwin Ave. in Arcadia. For more information and reservations, call (818) 356-2654.