Sports Safety for Children
Sports are great for children. Sports can help a child's physical coordination, fitness, and self-esteem. Sports can also teach children about teamwork and self-discipline.
But children are more likely get injured when playing a sport. This is because their body is still growing and their coordination is still developing.
10 Tips for Preventing Sports Injuries in Kids and Teens
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Young athletes today push themselves harder than ever before, which means they’re at greater risk for sports-related injuries. Pediatric sports medicine expert R. Jay Lee provides these 10 injury prevention tips to help keep your young athlete safe.
Most childhood sports injuries occur when:
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Kids don’t know what to do to stay safe when playing a sport
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Kids don’t have the right equipment to play a sport – or don’t have any equipment at all
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Kids aren’t in good physical shape to play the sport
These safety tips can help prevent sports injuries in children:
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Children should wear the correct safety gear and equipment.
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The playing field or court should be safe.
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Team members and teams should be made up of children of similar size, skill level, and physical and emotional maturity.
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Children should be physically fit and mentally prepared.
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Children practicing a sport should be watched by an adult who enforces the safety rules.
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Children should get enough fluids during and after sports.
Heat-Related Illness and Young Athletes: 3 Important Things Parents and Coaches Need to Know
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Heat-related illness is a serious concern for everyone who is exercising during extreme summer heat. Most at risk: young athletes who may not know when to take a break and cool down. Learn what parents can do to help prevent their children from experiencing heat-related illness.