Help your young athlete
stay healthy:
More
American kids are playing sports than ever. This is great news: physical
activity helps kids stay fit and feel good about themselves. But injuries can
happen. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, injuries
related to sports and recreation are common. They send more than 2.6 million
children aged 19 and under to the emergency room each year. Children are not
small adults. Their bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments are still growing.
This means they are more likely to get injured.However, there are ways to make
sure your young athlete is playing it safe. Follow these tips to help prevent
sports injuries: Get cleared. Before playing organized sports, your child
should have a physical exam. A doctor, nurse
or qualified physician can do this. Get moving. The right equipment can make the difference. Make sure your child has the
right protective equipment for the sport and that the clothing is suitable
and in good condition. Watch the
weather. Your baby needs time to adjust to hot or humid environments before
playing.This can help prevent heat-related injuries or illnesses. Stretch it.
Have your child work on their flexibility before and after play and practice to
help release muscle tension and prevent injury. Drink. Make sure your baby
stays hydrated. Encourage your athlete to drink plenty of water before, during
and after activity. Pay attention to the pain. Teach your child to listen to
their body and avoid playing during pain. Plan some rest. Children should take
breaks during training.And they should have at least one rest day a week without sports activity so that their
body can recover. Be a role model. Communicate the importance of safety to your
athlete. And teach by example: wear safety gear and follow the rules when
playing sports. Sport can help children socially, emotionally and physically.
Help your baby stay safe and play. Additional sources: American Academy of
Orthopedic Surgeons; American Academy of Pediatrics; Safe Kids Worldwide and
Coffey Communications
Source:
American Heart Association
