Spring brings fun, but should also include safety

By Gwenn Schurgin O’Keeffe, MD, FAAP

Your Kid’s Health, The Salem News

March 29, 2004

Spring has Sprung…or so we hope!      Watching the gray winter chased away by a  rainbow of spring colors is one of the joys of living in New England.     Out go the skis, skates, snow suits, hats, gloves, heavy clothes and boots and in come the bikes, helmets, pads, skateboards, roller blades, balls, bats, bathing-suits and sneakers.   But, all this outdoor fun also marks another season of long waits at doctor’s offices and emergency rooms as they become flooded with  injured and overheated kids. 

There is no denying the great benefits of being part of a team and getting their bodies and souls physically fit.   And, many of these benefits are for life.  At the same time,  injury can be devastating to a young athlete - especially if they are prevented from playing for even a few games.   It’s important to remind our kids (and ourselves!) that in the end “it’s just a game” – there will always be another game and another season if the injury is properly cared for.  Better to sit out a game or two now then to be out for a lifetime – and with some injuries this is unfortunately not an exaggeration.

The National SAFE KIDS Campaign (www.safekids.org) recently released some advice on sports tips for kids that have an interesting twist – they emphasize the need for preparation and training –.  According to Martin R. Eichelberger, M.D., president and CEO of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign:   "After being indoors most of the winter, many children go from a less active lifestyle to regular physical activity outdoors.  It's important for them to not only have a regular check-up with their doctor but also start getting back into shape for their sport before the season begins."        Just like with the pros, we need to be sure our kids have the proper “spring training” to maximize fitness and reduce the chance of injury.

Here are the SAFE KIDS sports tips to help you prepare your kids for play before, during and after a game:

Get Ready:

• Before the season begins, gradually increase your kids’ activity level and have a regular check-up with their doctor.
• Help your kids understand the basic skills of the sport before they get into the game.
• Be sure your kids drink plenty of fluids before, during and after playing sports and eat a well-balanced diet.
• Be sure your child’s coach has a list of emergency contacts just in case there is a problem and you can’t be reached. 
• If you carpool,  make sure all kids have their own child safety seats or safety belts and sit in a rear seat if they are under age 13.

Get Set:

• Have your kids warm up and stretch before playing their sport.
• Make sure your kids always wear the properly fitted protective gear and use sun block.
• Check with the coach to be sure field surfaces and playing areas are inspected and safe before kids begin playing.
• Be sure that your kids play team sports under the supervision of a coach and a certified athletic trainer.

Go!:

• During the game check to be sure your kids are properly supervised at all times.
• Monitor the activity for regular rest breaks at practice and at the game.
• Be sure yoru child does not "play through" an injury.
• Make sure good sportsmanship and proper rules are followed by parents, coaches and players. 

And, last but not least, make sure your kids want to play the sport they are playing and that they are having fun while doing it!