According to the British Medical Bulletin, around 11 percent of school-going kids face sports injuries annually. Sports activities require a demanding need of the body, so injuries can not be avoided 100 percent. However, you can follow certain sports safety practices to reduce injury chances in your kid. Let us uncover them.
1. Warm-up
Warming up before an exercise is like preparing your body for strenuous activity and adjusting it with movement. Warming up loosens joints and improves blood circulation to your muscles, preventing wear and tear. Start by employing 5 minutes of warm-up activity like stretching and cardio before every workout or physical activity.
2. Protective gear
Safety first starts with wearing protective gear, which is tailored to your child’s sport type. Helmets, protective guards for knee, elbow, wrist, elbow, and eye, and protective cups for boys are some of the most common gear recommended for sports.
3. Adhering to the rules
Rules are made for a reason, and a foul in a game is a foul, rightly so. We have often seen players committing fouls and injuring fellow players. Ensure your child is in a serious environment where rules are followed diligently. It will not only ensure their safety but will also promote fair play and respect for others. Here, coaches and parents play a vital role in promoting the significance of rules and the outcomes of breaking them.
4. Safe play environment
You need to ensure that the environment or court area you choose for your kid is:
- Well-maintained with well-lit facilities maintenance of surfaces, equipment, and storage area with protective boundaries.
- Providing adequate hydration and appropriate sports kit for hot and cold weather
- Having a well-stocked first-aid kit with well-trained coaches for CPR and first-aid and clear emergency plans like Pediatrics Urgent Care.
- Having proper storage for equipment, etc.
Moreover, the choice of grass on the playing field, either tuff or natural, depends on the type of sports. Knowing the pros and cons of each can help prevent injuries, which the staff should be aware of.
5. Hydration breaks
Hydration plays a crucial role in preventing injuries and regaining stability and performance in sports. Encourage your child to take fluids every 30 minutes before and every 15-20 minutes during the activity. In case of dehydration, the supervisor must be familiar with its signs and symptoms and should take the necessary steps. In severe cases like heat stroke, the supervisor must immediately seek Pediatrics Urgent Care.
6. Prioritize rest
Ask the child to take regular breaks between the activities to avoid muscle overuse and subsequent injuries. They should have an open space to share any signs of pain or discomfort they may feel during or after the activity. For any particular sport, the child may take an off or two to three days weekly to rest.
7. Do not take chances.
Especially if it’s a brain injury or concussion, do not take any chances. Some injuries are silent killers, and internal bleeding might lead to the child’s death. Hence, the supervisor should be familiar with the signs and symptoms of concussion and should create awareness among parents and children. Such cases should be forwarded to Pediatrics Urgent Care centers. Meanwhile, you can apply the rule of thumb: if in doubt, make them sit down.
Wrap Up
Sports injuries can occur in all age groups, but extra care is taken for children. Using protective gear, warm-ups, ensuring ground safety, and maintaining medical SOPS, etc., can help avoid them.
