Even at PE, your kids are at risk for sports-related injuries. Sometimes it's not even the injury worry that's the biggest threat. Make sure your kids are aware of how to avoid overheating and dehydration. They are usually allowed a stop at the water fountain after PE, but if they get too hot during play -- make sure they know to tell their teacher. No teacher wants a child overheating on them, so they will recognize those signs. Have the child go to the teacher right away if they feel dizzy, faint, or nauseous.
Don't forget sunscreen. Playing in the heat of the day can put your child at risk for sun damage. Most schools have PE before the day gets too hot, but if you want to be extra safe send sunscreen for your child, or even apply it before they leave home, especially if PE is early in the day for them. You can never be too careful.
When playing sports outside of school, it becomes the parents' and coaches' responsibility to make sure the child is safe. Don't take for granted that the coach will make sure they are okay. There are many more kids that are out there than just yours, so understand that your child is YOUR priority. Make sure to take them water or low-calorie sports drink. It is okay for them to drink the sports drinks, as they do help to re-hydrate, but water is MOST important. Also, choose the lower-calorie sports drinks, as too much sugar can worsen dehydration. Having a reusable water bottle for your athlete is the best idea.
Also, sunscreen for those hot practices and games is a good way to keep them from damaging their skin under the hot sun's rays. SPF 30 or higher is ideal. Applying some yourself will help protect you, too. And don't forget about your own hydration. It can get hot out there waiting for practices and games -- so make sure you're hydrated, as well.
Learn the signs of overheating -- and watch for these in your child. Feeling dizzy, faint, nauseous are strong signs that they are starting to overheat or dehydrate. Also, a serious sign is no sweat. If it's hot and your child isn't sweating -- that's a bad, bad sign. Get your child drinking water and resting as soon as possible. If he/she doesn't improve in a few minutes, and start producing sweat, it's time to head to the ER.
Listen here, as Dr Law discusses a few tips for a great sports season: (from a previous month's e-zine)
September is also the start of flu vaccinations. We don't start our vaccination process until October 1 (the "official" start of flu season), but many physician's offices and pharmacies are already offering the vaccine. This is critical for your children and you! Make sure you are vaccinated and your child is, too. The flu will not only sideline from them sports -- but could keep them down and out for days to weeks. So, when it comes to the flu shot -- DON'T just say no!!
Remember -- prevention is the best medicine. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and encourage your children to rest BEFORE they've past the point of healing. And if that's not enough -- don't hesitate to visit the doctor or ER for treatment. Do not let your child persist in a dehydrated or overheated state without seeking medical attention!
And remember what we said a couple of months ago about eating healthy? There is no more important thing an athlete can do than train their body. And proper training INCLUDES proper nutrition. You can not build muscle and stamina needed to play sports without the right food. As we've said -- lots of water is a must. Also, vegetables and LEAN meats, like chicken, fish, and lean cuts of beef. Believe it or not, there's a whole science dedicated to sports nutrition. The good people at Gatorade have a whole institute for it. Visit their site for more helpful tips:
Gatorade Sports Science InstituteAlso, the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service (ACES) has a great article about Sports Nutrition for Young Adults. You can find a copy of it here: http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/H/HE-0750/HE-0750.pdf
Find even more links to great nutrition sites by visiting the US Dept of Agriculture's National Agriculture Library listing here
And GO TEAM!!
