Preparing Your Child for Fall Sports

The start of school is around the corner and so are fall sports.

Preparing your kiddos for the upcoming season is key if you want to avoid common injuries like sprains and strains, fractures and broken bones, concussions, and even heat exhaustion due to the still triple-digit temps.

Whether they are heading out to the field for soccer or football, or hitting the trails for cross-country, here’s how to ensure your child is ready for their fall sport:

• Make sure they’ve had recent physicals and are cleared to play by their physician, especially if they’ve had a serious injury or illness in the not-too-distant past.
• Start training now, if they haven’t already. Check with your child’s coach if there is a preseason routine they’d like them to follow. Or have them do their own light workout such as jogging or swimming laps, along with proper stretching, a few weeks before tryouts or practices start.
• Invest in proper equipment. Helmets, knee and elbow pads, mouth guards, cleats, and other sports shoes should all meet standard safety regulations and fit properly.
• Get to know your child’s coaches before the season starts. It’s important to be familiar with who will be working with your child regularly on their team. Alert them to any pre-existing medical conditions or past injuries.
• Know the warning signs for concussions and watch out for them. Concussions are all-too-common now in youth sports. If your child experiences any nausea/vomiting, dizziness/blurred vision, or sensitivities to light and noise following a collision or fall, have them checked out immediately.
• Fuel them up with nutritious food and encourage hydration. Lots of lean proteins, fruits/vegetables, whole grains, and tons of water will help your child’s body to be primed for the season ahead.

If your child suffers a sports injury this season, please contact us for an appointment with one of our specialists. Or if it’s after-hours, as many sports injuries tend to be, visit our Urgent Injury Clinic where no appointment is necessary.

 

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(Adapted from FamilyTime.com)