Make every attempt to reduce the risk of athlete injuries

Participating in youth sports can lead to immediate and long-term benefits for children. Unfortunately, sports injuries can, and do, occur.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of the seven million sports and recreation- related injuries that occur each year, are sustained by youth between ages five and 24.

“The most common injuries we see here in youth sports, are strains and sprains,” said Zach Furtak, licensed athletic trainer.

However common, there are still several ways to keep children active, while also reducing their risk of a sports related injury.

Gear up – Whether during practice or games, athletes should use protective gear, such as helmets, wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads, in addition to any other sports gear appropriate to their activity or player position.

Use the right stuff – Be sure that sports protective equipment is maintained correctly and is in good condition. Poorly fitted equipment may be uncomfortable and may not offer proper protection.

Practice makes perfect – Have athletes learn and practice skill sets relevant to their chosen activity. For example, appropriate tackling technique is important in preventing injuries in football and soccer. Correct biomechanics, or movement and alignment, also plays a role in preventing injuries during baseball, softball and many other activities.

Be well conditioned – Be sure to safely and slowly increase activities, to improve physical fitness; being in good condition can protect players from injury.

Hydration and nutrition – Remind athletes to take care of their bodies, by making sure they are properly hydrated and eating a well-balanced meal.

Be a good model – Communicate positive messages about safety and serve as role models for safe behavior, including wearing a helmet and following the rules.

Recovery from an injury is different for each athlete.

Some basic injuries take days to weeks, some of the more severe injuries weeks to months; it all depends on the nature of the injury.”

“Each injury is different, and each athlete is different in their healing process and the injury itself,” said Furtak.

Safety and health should be a top priority, for coaches and parents, to keep athletes in the game and having fun. This includes listening to players’ concerns and identifying injuries.

They can also encourage players to be honest if they are experiencing pain and not to push through it. If an injury does occur, parents and athletes can follow the acronym RICE to aid recovery.

• Rest and protect the injured, or sore area.

• Ice or use a cold pack, as soon as possible.

• Compression, or wrapping the injured or sore area with an elastic bandage.

• Elevation (propping up) the injured or sore area.

Coaches should coach proper technique, making sure that athlete is doing the right things, not putting themselves in jeopardy to injure themself, having offseason strength training, getting the body ready for the sport at hand. If the athlete is not ready for the sport by doing those things, they should not do it.

“And then while you’re in the sport, taking care of your body, strength training, stretching,” said Furtak.