The Public Affairs and Strategic Communications Office at the University of Kentucky provides a weekly health column for use and reprint by the news media. This week’s column is by Dr. Johanna M. Hoch, Associate Professor of Athletic Her Training and Clinical Nutrition and Her Director of the Program at the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences.
Lexington, Kentucky (September 12, 2022) — Participating in sports is beneficial not only for a child’s physical and mental health, but also for a large part of their social life. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. emergency departments treat about 3 million cases of sports injuries in young people each year, many of which are preventable with proper safety measures.
Here are some safety measures parents and coaches can take to reduce the risk of sports injuries.
Pre-entry physical examination (PPE). Have PPE administered by a doctor, nurse, or other qualified health care provider to ensure your child is healthy enough to participate safely before starting a sport or new season Please confirm that.
Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet. Bring a water bottle to all practices and games and encourage your child to drink water 30 minutes before and every 15-20 minutes to reduce the risk of heat stroke and dehydration. To ensure a healthy diet, review school lunch menus and encourage them to choose foods that provide the most balance and energy for the day. Also, if time between school and practice is limited, consider providing your child with a nutritious pre-game snack.
stretch. Encouraging children to set aside time to warm up and stretch before every practice or game can help release muscle tension and prevent muscle tears and strains commonly caused by sports. Athletes should begin with 10 minutes of light activity, such as jogging, to stretch all major muscle groups before practice or competition.
correct safety equipment. Make sure your child has the proper protective gear and equipment for all sports. Examples include helmets, wrist guards, shin guards, and knee and elbow pads. Some sports may require a mouthguard to prevent tooth damage. Consult your team coach to ensure all gear is in good condition, fits properly and is worn correctly for each practice and game.
listen to your body. It is important for children to understand the signs and symptoms of common sports injuries and illnesses. Encourage children to talk to a parent, coach, or other trusted adult when something doesn’t feel right. Resting when needed to prevent injury or worsening illness is not a bad thing, and at least one day a week she can prevent injury.
Make sure the coach is prepared. If your child’s school does not have an athletic trainer, it is important that coaches and other adults supporting practices and events are certified in first aid and CPR and have first aid kits. They must also recognize signs of an emergency condition that require immediate referral and have an emergency action plan to ensure efficient and effective transportation to medical facilities if necessary. , players should be encouraged to rest if injured, seek medical attention, take appropriate hydration breaks and ensure their safety during practice.
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