With kids in school, parents will no doubt have a laundry list of things to do to get their children ready for extracurricular activities. If your child is interested in sports, there are a few precautionary items parents should scratch off their to-do list before your quarterback hits the field.
Let's Get Physical!
All children should have an annual physical before the start of classes, but why not speak with your pediatrician about playing sports? An annual physical can help children avoid unnecessary injuries due to pre-existing conditions. It is also a good idea to have your child's eye sight checked as well. Success in sports comes with clear vision and a strong body. Your doctor can help determine if your child is fit enough for sports, and can help you determine which sports might best suit your child, if there are any medical conditions which could hamper your child's athletic career.
Gear Up And Mov'em Out!
The next thing that should be considered before your child hits the field is what protective gear he or she will need. Each sport has different equipment requirements, so it is best to speak with the coach as to what type of gear would be appropriate for the sport. With certain sports, it is better to have more protective gear than less, so you want to make sure that your child is well suited in gear, that it is the right size, and covers all vulnerable areas. Your coach, as well as an equipment specialist, can tell you exactly what you need. Remember to get good fitting shoes for your child, because poor fitting shoes can lead to foot injuries over time. The same notion applies to equipment as well. Sporting equipment is not something you want your child to grow into. When they begin a new sport, they need gear that fits them well, because this will protect them from injury. Ill-fitting gear can actually lead to more injuries, so be sure to size your child's equipment appropriately. You will also want to speak with your optometrist about protective eyewear as well, to avoid any eye injuries. Most sports have a high risk of injuries to the eyes and surrounding areas, and protective eyewear can help avoid potentially damaging accidents.
Sports are meant to be fun, and they also can put children at risk for injuries. Be sure that any sporting team your child is on has a scheduled game plan for stretching and conditioning, which can help little leaguers avoid strains and sprains. Make sure the team also carries a first aid kit for any minor injuries during practices and games. No child should be sidelined with an injury. With the proper gear and a clean bill of health, every kid can hit the field and be a star athlete!
Kitchi Joyce is the Director of Administrative Services for OrthoAtlanta, a full service Atlanta orthopedic practice specializing in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. OrthoAtlanta has multiple locations around the Atlanta Metro area where doctors, physicians and medical staff help patients live and perform at the peak of their physical ability. Decades of experience, education and research means that all branches of Atlanta orthopedics are covered, from cartilage restoration to spine care and sports medicine. Learn more about Atlanta orthopedics at http://www.orthoatlanta.com/services/orthopaedic/.
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