Springtime best to make sure injury prevention is part of the program
By Robert Preidt
HealthDay Reporter
(HealthDay News) -- The spring sports season is here, and as young people across the country hone their skills in swinging the bat or kicking the soccer ball, parents and coaches also need to be thinking about injury prevention.
Adults involved in youth sports can reduce many injuries in young athletes if they follow some simple tips, provided by Children's Hospital Oakland:
- Warm up. Children should always do this first before they begin playing sports.
- Don't overdo it. Overexertion is the primary cause of injuries in adolescents.
- Try variety. Your child shouldn't focus on just one sport. They need to develop strength everywhere.
- Pump iron later. Hold off on weight training until it's appropriate. Children can't develop strength with weights until puberty and they need to be supervised when they do start using weights.
- Build stronger girls. Because they lack testosterone, girls are more susceptible to injury. Because of that, girls need to focus on strength-training more than boys.
- Focus on fitness. Fitness training should be included in all practices.
- Listen to pain. Young athletes should not be encouraged to push through pain.
"A young athlete's body is still developing," said Michelle Cappello, a physical therapist at Children's Hospital Oakland, "and injuries sustained during childhood have the potential for long-term consequences, including the premature ending of an athletic career or preventing an active lifestyle into adulthood."
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