Parents can help children prevent injury ADVICE FOR YOUNG ATHLETES
People who participate in sports experience a range of physical, emotional and interpersonal benefits. These benefits include a reduced risk of obesity, improved hand-eye coordination and the development of social skills. Athletes are at risk of injury any time they participate in their activity of choice. Adults competing in sports may recognize that risk, but children often do not, which can make it difficult for young athletes to cope with injuries that prevent them from playing their favorite sports. Stanford Children’s Health notes that roughly 30 million children in the United States participate in some form of organized sports every year. Parents who want their children to get all the benefits of organized sports participation can take steps to reduce risk of injury. • SCHEDULE DOWN TIME. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents
to plan at least one day off from training per week and at least one month off from training per year. These breaks allow young bodies, even those who haven’t suffered injuries, to recover. • INCREASE FLEXIBILITY. Stretching should be part of everyone’s daily fitness routine, and young athletes are no exception. Stretching exercises after games and practices can increase flexibility. The Mayo Clinic notes that stretching may improve range of motion in the joints and decrease risk of injury. • FOLLOW THE RIGHT TECHNIQUES AND WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR. The AAP advises parents to ensure kids follow the correct techniques when performing exercises. Poor form in the weight room can increase young athletes’ risk of injury. Coaches often supervise strengthtraining regimens, but parents should keep
ForFor over 1110 years now, families from Durango over years, families from Durango andand the area have haveentrusted entrustedthe thehealth health the Four Four Corners Corners area care childrenand andadolescents adolescentstoto care of of their their infants, infants, children Pediatric Associates of Durango. Dr. Pakhi Pediatric Associates of Durango. Chaudhuri honors this privilege by working Pediatric Pakhi Chaudhuri and Nurse withproviders families Dr. to create the foundation Practitionerfor Jessica Rensner honor this privilege a lifetime of wellness. by working with families to create a foundation
Pediatric Associates of Durango welcomes for a lifetime of wellness. They both share a Jessica Rensner, MSN, RN, the practice. common goal to ensure thatCPNP theirto patients thrive
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mentally, Ourphysically, goal is to ensure thatand ouremotionally. patients thrive physically, mentally and emotionally. To Pediatricthis, Associates accomplish we callofonDurango our solidapproaches background in every patient’s care with holistic, comprehensive conventional medicine as well as exploring a management, and we pride ourselves multitude of alternative options that haveonproven providing excellent follow-up. to enhance the overall health of our patients.
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Youth Injuries watchful eyes on youngsters who work out at home or without the supervision of a coach. The right gear, which includes protective cups, eyewear and mouthpieces, also should be worn at all times. Parents should periodically inspect gear to ensure it’s not worn down. • DISCOURAGE THE ATTITUDE TO “PLAY THROUGH PAIN.” Professional athletes often cite the necessity of playing through pain. But young athletes should never play through pain, as their bodies are still developing and could suffer considerable damage if they try to play through injuries, however minor such injuries may seem. Parents must work with their children to reduce a young person’s risk of sustaining a sports-related injury. More information about reducing youth sports injuries can be found at www.aap.org. l
For over 15 years, families from Durango and the Four Corners area have entrusted the health care of their infants, children and adolescents to Pediatric Associates of Durango. Pediatric providers Dr. Pakhi Chaudhuri and Nurse Practitioner Jessica Rensner honor this privilege by working with families to create a foundation for a lifetime of wellness. They both share a common goal to ensure that their patients thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
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