WE’VE GOT THOSE STORIES AHEAD ON 12 NEWS AT SIX, RIGHT AFTER WORLD NEWS WITH DAVID MUIR. WELL, THERE’S BEEN A LOT OF ATTENTION LATELY ON CONCUSSIONS AND THE RISK OF CONTACT SPORTS FOR KIDS, BUT THAT IS NOT THE ONLY CONCERN WHEN IT COMES TO STAYING SAFE ON THE FIELD. >> MALLORY ANDERSON AND CONSUMER REPORTS HAVE THE IMPORTANT WAYS TO KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE. >> FROM SPRAINS AND FRACTURES TO OVERUSE INJURIES, YOUNG ATHLETES FACE A RANGE OF POTENTIAL PROBLEMS THAT CAN SIDELINE THEM. CONSUMER REPORTS HAS SOME IMPORTANT ADVICE FOR PARENTS ON HOW TO PREVENT THESE MORE COMMON AND OFTEN AVOIDABLE SPORTS INJURIES. FOR KIDS, PLAYING SPORTS ISN’T JUST FUN, IT BUILDS TEAMWORK, CONFIDENCE AND SKILLS. BUT AS ANY PARENT KNOWS, INJURIES CAN HAPPEN. EACH YEAR, ABOUT 1.4 MILLION KIDS AGES 5 TO 14 END UP IN THE E.R. FOR SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL INJURIES. SOME OF THE MOST COMMON SPORTS RELATED INJURIES ARE SPRAINS AND STRAINS. >> MINOR INJURIES. AT HOME, PARENTS CAN DO RICE THERAPY, REST, ICE COMPRESSION, AND ELEVATION. THESE STEPS CAN HELP MANAGE PAIN AND SWELLING. >> MAKE SURE KIDS GET TIME TO REST AND RECOVER. IF PAIN, SWELLING OR LIMITED MOVEMENT LASTS MORE THAN A FEW DAYS, IT’S ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA TO CHECK IN WITH THEIR DOCTOR TO HELP PREVENT THESE INJURIES, EXPERTS SAY. TEACHING KIDS PROPER TECHNIQUE AND DOING A GOOD WARM UP BEFORE ACTIVITY ARE KEY. >> WE START WITH WORKOUTS SUCH AS ARM CIRCLES, LEG SWINGS, SOME JOGGING AND AT THE END WE STRETCH TO BE READY FOR THE GAME. >> PARENTS AND COACHES CAN WORK TOGETHER TO PROMOTE GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP, SAFE PLAYING HABITS AND ENSURE KIDS HAVE THE RIGHT PROTECTIVE GEAR. >> MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD’S EQUIPMENT FITS PROPERLY, IS APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR AGE AND THE SPORT, AND THAT THEY WEAR IT EVERY TIME THEY PLAY. >> IT’S ALSO IMPORTANT TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR OVERUSE INJURIES, ENCOURAGING KIDS TO PLAY DIFFERENT SPORTS HELPS REDUCE STRAIN ON THE SAME MUSCLES. AND FINALLY, SPORTS CAN SOMETIMES MAKE KIDS NERVOUS OR FEEL PRESSURE. BUT WITH PARENTS AND COACHES BY THEIR SIDE, THEY CAN HIT THE FIELD FEELING FOCUSED AND READY. ALSO, MAKE SURE YOUR KIDS STAY HYDRATED BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER ACTIVITY. EXPERTS SAY CHILDREN AGES 9 TO 12 SHOULD SIP WATER REGULARLY, ABOUT 3
Consumer Reports: Preventing kids’ sports injuries
Consumer Reports has important advice for parents on how to help prevent common and often avoidable sports injuries.
There has been a lot of attention lately on concussions and the risks of contact sports for kids, but that is not the only concern when it comes to staying safe on the field. From sprains and fractures to overuse injuries, young athletes face a range of potential problems that can sideline them. Consumer Reports has some important advice for parents on how to help prevent these more common and often avoidable sports injuries.In 2024, about 1.4 million kids ages 5 to 14 ended up in the emergency room for sports and recreational injuries. Some of the most common sports-related injuries are sprains and strains.For minor injuries at home, parents can do RICE therapy. The components are rest, ice, compression and elevation, which can help manage pain and swelling. Make sure your kids get time to rest and recover. If pain, swelling or limited movement lasts more than a few days, it’s always a good idea to check in with their doctor. To help prevent these injuries, experts say teaching kids proper techniques and doing a good warmup before activity are key. Parents and coaches can work together to promote good sportsmanship and safe playing habits and ensure kids have the proper protective gear. Make sure your child’s equipment fits properly, is appropriate for their age and sport, and is worn every time they play.It’s also important to watch for overuse injuries. Encouraging kids to play different sports helps reduce strain on the same muscles.Sports can sometimes make kids nervous or feel pressure, but with parents and coaches by their side, they can hit the field feeling focused and ready.Also, make sure your kids stay hydrated before, during and after activity. Experts say children ages 9-12 should sip water regularly, about 3 to 8 ounces every 20 minutes while playing.
There has been a lot of attention lately on concussions and the risks of contact sports for kids, but that is not the only concern when it comes to staying safe on the field. From sprains and fractures to overuse injuries, young athletes face a range of potential problems that can sideline them.
Consumer Reports has some important advice for parents on how to help prevent these more common and often avoidable sports injuries.
In 2024, about 1.4 million kids ages 5 to 14 ended up in the emergency room for sports and recreational injuries. Some of the most common sports-related injuries are sprains and strains.
For minor injuries at home, parents can do RICE therapy. The components are rest, ice, compression and elevation, which can help manage pain and swelling. Make sure your kids get time to rest and recover. If pain, swelling or limited movement lasts more than a few days, it’s always a good idea to check in with their doctor.
To help prevent these injuries, experts say teaching kids proper techniques and doing a good warmup before activity are key. Parents and coaches can work together to promote good sportsmanship and safe playing habits and ensure kids have the proper protective gear. Make sure your child’s equipment fits properly, is appropriate for their age and sport, and is worn every time they play.
It’s also important to watch for overuse injuries. Encouraging kids to play different sports helps reduce strain on the same muscles.
Sports can sometimes make kids nervous or feel pressure, but with parents and coaches by their side, they can hit the field feeling focused and ready.
Also, make sure your kids stay hydrated before, during and after activity. Experts say children ages 9-12 should sip water regularly, about 3 to 8 ounces every 20 minutes while playing.