My Latest Monthly Article from the Chapel Hill News – Safe Summer Sports and Your Child
My Latest Monthly Article from the Chapel Hill News
Safe Summer Sports and Your Child
David Hansey
NASM Certified Performance Enhancement Specialist
NASM Certified Sports Fitness Specialist
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Since more than 30 million children play organized sports in the United States and many more play individual sports (including inline skating, trampoline, bicycling, skateboarding and swimming), it seemed a good time to discuss sports safety and sports injury prevention for children. Think the risk is low that your child will be injured? Well, let’s consider the statistics according the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
More than 3.5 million children under age 14 get hurt annually playing sports.
775,000 of those injuries were severe enough to require an emergency room visit.
Injuries range from minor scrapes and sprains to death. Yes, that’s right – Death!!
It is a sad fact that children die every year doing what they love. This should also be a huge wake up call for you as a parent to ensure you are doing everything that you can to prevent your child from having any kind of injury. There are many things you can do to reduce the risk, some of these are:
Ensure your child has ALL of the safety equipment necessary and that it is used properly and fits properly. (nets around trampolines, helmets for cycling, proper footwear, etc)
Ensure your child knows the rules of the game. (sounds simple but rules are like traffic lights and prevent injuries)
Ensure that your child knows how to properly hydrate and that you provide them with water so they can prevent dehydration and heat related conditions.
Ensure that your child is healthy enough and fit enough for their sport. A pre-season physical with your doctor is the best place to start! Your doctor can assess your child’s health and any conditions that may require attention prior to starting a sport.
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends that children and teens see a doctor for a pre-season check-up. They also recommend that children and teens use a trainer to get in shape if they lack conditioning. Remember, your child cannot go from the couch to the playing field overnight. And many sports have specific requirements. So if you have any concerns, a body assessment and a few sessions with a trainer who is certified in sports training is a very good investment in your child’s well-being.
I know many of these items were directed at children, but remember, these guidelines also apply to you!! So do what you can to have a healthy, injury-free summer for the entire family!! For more information on Sports Specific Training, call me at 404-514-1896 or visit my website at www.4fitbodies.com.
