Parents can prevent youth sports injuries

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

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

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For over 11 years now, families from Durango and For over 10 years, families from Durango and the Four Corners area have entrusted the health the Four Corners area have entrusted the health care of their infants, children and adolescents to care of their infants, children and adolescents to PediatricAssociates of Durango. Dr. Pakhi Pediatric Associates of Durango. Chaudhuri honors this privilege by working with families to create the foundation Pediatric providers Dr. Pakhi Chaudhuri and Nurse for a lifetime of wellness. Practitioner Jessica Rensner honor this privilege Pediatric Associates of Durango welcomes Jessica Rensner, MSN, RN, CPNP to the practice. 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 Our goal is to ensure that our patients thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. physically, mentally and emotionally. To accomplish this, we call on our solid background in Pediatric Associates of Durango approaches conventional medicine as well as exploring a every patient’s care with holistic, comprehensive multitude of alternative options that have proven management, and we pride ourselves on to enhance the overall health of our patients. providing excellent follow-up.

We, at Pediatric Associates of Durango, are passionate We at Pediatric Associates of Durango, are passionate about setting a new standard for health that empowers about setting a new standard for health that empowers children to reach their full potential! children to reach their full potential.

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Offering Integrated Behavioral Health services, including therapeutic and psychiatric consultations.

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.