Keep your kids injury-free during sports season

Whether it’s during the school day, after school or in a team setting, many children play sports throughout the school year.

Sports are a great way to help keep kids healthy. But sports participation, even non-contact sports, always carries a risk of your child suffering injuries. Here are some great tips for avoiding injuries while enjoying sports during the school day and after school.

Wear protective gear: Players should dress with the appropriate protective gear for their sport at all times. This can include padding, helmets, mouthpieces, face guards, eyewear and protective cups. Many sports, such as baseball, have their own safety risks. Make sure you know what the risks are and what safety equipment you need.

Make sure to stretch: Encourage everyone in your family to stretch their muscles before and after physical activity. This helps reduce cramping and tightness in your muscles and joints and could prevent some types of injuries.

Drink lots of water: Encourage your children to drink plenty of fluids before, during and after athletic competition to avoid heat-induced injuries. Avoid practicing in extreme hot/humid weather whenever possible and always wear light clothing. And don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

Know when to stop: Make sure your children know that if they feel any type of pain, from tightness to soreness, stop competing and rest. Pushing through pain can turn a minor injury into a major one.