|
Blog: Back to School, Back to SportsPosted by: Lindsay Hansen at Aug 04, 2011 12:00 AM CDT Keywords: Education
Is summer over already? Not quite but as I walk through my local chain store with its back-to-school ads and sale items, I could think the first day of school is, well, tomorrow. All this retail activity inevitably sends parents into prep mode. To most, getting the kids ready means sending them back to school with the right kind of highlighters, protractors, notebooks (and the list goes on). But what about the advent of the fall sports season? If your child plays soccer, football, basketball, track, or cheerleads, chances are your list just got a lot longer… But fear not. Helping your child adequately prepare for his sport can be much easier than figuring out which kind of Bunsen Burner set he needs for science class. Reviewing sports safety tips, and ensuring your kid has the proper gear for his sport can pay off; it reduces the chances of getting injured, burnt out or even a more serious emergency - like heat exhaustion during games or practices. First things first: Make sure your child gets an annual physical screening before playing sports. This can help identify any underlying conditions your young athlete may have and help you, coaches and your child’s doctors make more informed decisions about physical activity and competitive play. Talk to your child’s doctors and ask them to perform the full pre-participation evaluation, updated and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Second, be proactive and read up on current youth sports safety information, that keeps your child healthy, active and free of injury during the sports season. For example, did you know that dehydration can begin before a child tells you he is thirsty? This implies that proper hydration starts at home, not once your kid arrives at the field. In terms of bumps, bruises, and blows to the head; were you aware that 9 out of 10 concussions occur without the loss of consciousness? This shows how critical it is as a parent to know the signs and symptoms of a concussion. If you’d like to learn more, in simple, straightforward terms, check out Safe Kids USA’s Sports Safety Guide. Or, check out our Sports Parents’ Safety Checklist, which isn’t nearly as intimidating (or expensive) as the checklist that includes specialized Elmer’s Glue or a TI-84 calculator. Your kids will now be ready for going back to school - and back on the field, court, track (and the list goes on). More About Sports Safety |
Comment on this Blog Post: