Autumn Injuries
“When something bad happens, you have three choices. You can either let it define you, let it destroy you or you can let it strengthen you.” ~unknown
In keeping with the recent theme of athletics, I would like to take time today to talk about youth athletics and the possibility of sports related injury as schools start up all across the region. As kids go back to school this fall, a new season of athletic opportunity also starts. Sports such as football, soccer, cross-country and cheer bring new excitement as a new season looms but these sports (along with a host of others) also bring the possibility for injury. According to the Stanford’s Children’s Health report, there are about 30 million children who engage in some kind of athletics and a little over 10% of those children (ages 5-14) will get injured in the pursuit of playing. “Obviously, some sports are more dangerous than others. For example, contact sports such as football can be expected to result in a higher number of injuries than a noncontact sport such as swimming. However, all types of sports have a potential for injury, whether from the trauma of contact with other players or from overuse or misuse of a body part,” (Stanford Children’s Health).
As parents, we need to be cognizant of how our child is looking and feeling before, during and after practicing or playing their sport. Common injuries are due to strains and sprains as well as bumps and bruises but there are more serious injuries as well such as broken bones and head trauma. There are steps that a parent and child athlete can take to help prevent or minimize these injuries and allow the child to enjoy the sport for the entire season without missing any of the action due to injury. The American Academy of Pediatrics has provided the following list of recommendations to help reduce or prevent injury:
•Take time off. Plan to have at least 1 day off per week and at least one month off per year from training for a particular sport to allow the body to recover.
•Wear the right gear. Players should wear appropriate and properly fit protective equipment such as pads (neck, shoulder, elbow, chest, knee, and shin), helmets, mouthpieces, face guards, protective cups, and/or eyewear. Young athletes should not assume that protective gear will prevent all injuries while performing more dangerous or risky activities.
•Strengthen muscles. Conditioning exercises during practice strengthens muscles used in play.
•Increase flexibility. Stretching exercises after games or practice can increase flexibility. Stretching should also be incorporated into a daily fitness plan.
•Use the proper technique. This should be reinforced during the playing season.
•Take breaks. Rest periods during practice and games can reduce injuries and prevent heat illness.
•Play safe. Strict rules against headfirst sliding (baseball and softball), and spearing (football), and checking in hockey should be enforced.
•Stop the activity if there is pain.
•Avoid heat injury by drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise or play; decrease or stop practices or competitions during high heat/humidity periods; wear light clothing.
As a parent, one of the great joys I experience is watching my children as they play the sports they love. To see the look of joy on their face in the heat of competition is a special moment for me and I’m guessing for any parent who watches their child play. I hope that everyone can take this information and use it to increase the opportunity for safety and reduce the risk of injury for the junior athlete(s) in our lives. I hope everyone has a great weekend, take care of yourself and each other, remember, we’re all in this together.
Wm Reid
Best Home Care Services
325 N Eastern Ave
Connersville, IN 47331
765-827-9833
wmreid@bhcshealth.com