National SAFE KIDS Campaign National PTA Tips for Parents
National Athletic Trainers’ Association Kids' Health For Parents

Healthy Playgrounds

 

by Michael Barnaby



 
Lee County, blessed with near-perfect weather and a growing economy and population, is also home to fifty thousand enthusiastic children, playing every sport from stickball to football, baseball to soccer, and gymnastics to swimming. And this year, as always, a number of our children will become part of a growing statistic – the children aged 5 to 14 making up nearly forty percent of the more than 3.5 million sports-related injuries that occur annually in the United States.

According to Jim Marshall, a Certified Athletic Trainer at Bishop Verot High School, "Children are more susceptible to these injuries than adults," adding that "Coaches need to place safety above all else." He urges parents to become involved in their children’s sports activities. "Parent involvement and supervision is essential. Our children’s safety is everybody’s responsibility – officials, coaches, teachers and parents."

"Suffering an injury is always a possibility during any physical activity," says Glenda Wolnik, R.N., coordinator for the Lee County Safe Kids Coalition. "During sports, injury can occur from falling, from collisions, by being struck by an object, or overexertion. Parents have an active role to play regarding their child’s sports activities. Find out all you can about the person responsible for your child’s care while playing. Does the coach possess a state or nationally approved certificate to coach this sport? Is he or she certified in CPR, is a first aid kit available? Is a certified athletic trainer available? These are all important questions."

Although most organized sports-related injuries occur during practice, in Southwest Florida the weather can be also be a factor. Marshall says that because of our heat and humidity, breathing freely during exertion can become difficult, and points out that students and coaches should also take extra precautions when it comes to hydration when playing and practicing. "Dehydration is always a possibility. Coaches and parents should ensure that children always have sufficient water or beverages available to them. Never deny a child a drink - before, during and after a game." Nationally, between five and ten children die of heat stroke every year.

Other key points stressed by experts include ensuring that children are physically and psychologically conditioned for any activities they participate in, being instructed in basic skills, and matching them with other kids of similar skill level, weight and maturity.

Lee County truly is a perfect playground. Be sure that injury doesn’t interfere with your children’s fun – following basic safety precautions can help your kids stay off the sidelines and in the game.

The National SAFE KIDS Campaign has partnered with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association to provide the following tips for you and your children:

Before the game:

  • Before beginning a sport, all children should receive a general health exam and an orthopedic exam.
  • Find out all you can about the person who is responsible for your child’s care while playing. Does the coach possess a state- or nationally approved certificate to coach this sport? Is she certified in CPR, and is a first aid kit available? Is a certified athletic trainer available to provide instruction and rehabilitation?
  • Children should be physically and psychologically conditioned for activities, instructed in basic skills, and matched with other kids of similar skill level, weight and maturity.
  • Check athletic grounds for hazards (rocks, holes, water, etc.). Also consider current and potential weather conditions (e.g. lightning).
  • Make sure your children always wear appropriate safety gear and equipment that fits properly. Protective gear is sport-specific and may include mouth guards, shin pads, helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, safety goggles, etc.
  • Ensure that children warm up and stretch before playing.

    • During the game:

  • Make sure your children are supervised by an adult at all times. All safety rules should be strictly enforced.
  • Dehydration in young athletes is a serious concern. Make sure your kids drink adequate liquids prior to, during and following athletic activities. Know the symptoms of dehydration: thirst, weakness, headaches, dark-colored urine or a slight decrease in body weight.
  • Kids should receive adequate rest breaks during practice and games. They should not be expected to play through an injury.
  • Parents and coaches should be role models by practicing good sportsmanship and playing by the rules.
  • Prepare for an emergency by providing your child’s coach with important information: parents’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and any medical conditions or allergies affecting the athlete.
    •

    ###

    Back To Stories Page
    Back to NBC Health page    nbc2a.gif (1461 bytes)
    Back to ABC Health Page