August 1st - Summer is winding down, school
supplies are being purchased, and football practice is in full swing.
For the past three years, Dr. A has helped coach his son’s middle
school football team, and he’s seen more than enough sports-induced injuries
over the years.
While participation in sports is a great form of exercise,
it is critical to take the necessary steps to prevent injury. Below are a few
of our favorite tips in preventing sports injuries from the American
Chiropractic Association.
Encourage your child to:
- Wear proper equipment. Certain contact sports, such as football and hockey, can be dangerous if the equipment is not properly fitted. Make sure all equipment, including helmets, pads and shoes fit your child properly.
- Eat healthy meals. Make sure your young athlete is eating a well-balanced diet and does not skip meals. Avoid high-fat foods, such as candy bars and fast food. At home, provide fruit rather than cookies, and vegetables rather than potato chips.
- Drink water. Hydration is a key element to optimal fitness. Young athletes should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
- Avoid sugar-loaded, caffeinated and carbonated drinks. Sports drinks are a good source of replenishment for those kids engaged in long duration sports, such as track and field.
- Follow a warm-up routine. Be sure your child or his/her coach includes a warm-up and stretching session before every practice, game or meet. A slow jog, jumping rope and/or lifting small weights reduces the risk of torn or ripped muscles. Flexibility is key when pushing to score that extra goal or make that critical play.
- Take vitamins daily. A multi-vitamin and Vitamin C are good choices for the young athlete. Vitamin B and amino acids may help reduce the pain from contact sports. Thiamine can help promote healing. Also consider Vitamin A to strengthen scar tissue.
- Avoid trendy supplements. Kids under the age of 18 should avoid the use of performance-enhancing supplements, such as creatine. Instead, they should ask their coach or trainer to include weekly weight training and body-conditioning sessions in their workout.
- Get plenty of rest. Eight hours of sleep is ideal for the young athlete. Lack of sleep and rest can decrease performance. Sluggishness, irritability and loss of interest could indicate that your child is fatigued.
And
remember, chiropractic care can help! Doctors of chiropractic are trained and
licensed to treat the entire neuromusculoskeletal system and can provide advice
on sports training, nutrition and injury prevention to young athletes and their
parents.
Keep your athletes healthy this season!
