Playing sports at any age is not only great exercise, but it’s also a lot of fun. However, every sport can also pose some risk of injury if you don’t take the necessary precautions. You can reduce that risk and keep yourself safe and healthy by getting an annual physical exam, wearing the right shoes and protective gear, staying hydrated, doing a proper warm-up, and allowing yourself time to heal completely after an injury.
Put your health first by making sure you have an annual physical exam to ensure you’re in overall good health before starting any sport. Back to school time is a great time for parents to make sure their child has had their physical exam. Parents should also be well informed of the proper safety gear for any sport their child is playing, and they should ensure that their child is wearing the right gear at all times. Helmets, sports goggles, and pads can prevent serious injuries while playing basketball, hockey, football, baseball, and softball, amongst other sports. If you are coming back from a recent injury, consider wearing a brace, padding, or other special equipment recommended by your doctor so you don’t re-injure yourself.
Prior to a practice or a game, make sure you have enough time to stretch and warm up your muscles in order to prevent painful muscle tears and sprains. Drinking water throughout a practice or game will also prevent dehydration, heatstroke, and other forms of heat illness.
Everybody is different, so learning to listen to your body and being aware of the sport’s safety rules will keep you off the bench and in the game this season!
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