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Health 52
Info Tip
From tots to teens, youth sports programs help children
gain confidence, learn teamwork and develop a healthy
about fitness.
When it comes to kids, "play it safe" should be taken
literally because young bodies can be easily injured.
Safety includes wearing sport-specific shoes and
properly fitting equipment like helmets for football and
eye protection for lacrosse.
Dentists say they see increased lost teeth among soccer
players because coaches don't insist on mouth-guards.
Seasonal sports are now being played year-round, which
can lead to overuse of specific muscles and joints, and
most sports-related injuries in children are sprains and
strains.
If not allowed to heal properly, a minor injury can
cause life-long problems. It's a parent's responsibility
to keep a child off the field when the child is in pain.
Many well-intentioned coaches lack the knowledge to make
medical decisions. Along with a first aid kit, make sure
your team has an emergency action plan.
Above all...keep it fun. It's the best way to ensure
that your child will enjoy sports for life.
Click here for audio
Sources: Reuters Health, National Athletic Trainers
Association, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, American
Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Orthopedic
Surgeons
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