09
July
2015
|
15:28 PM
Europe/Amsterdam
Sports Injury Prevention & Treatment at Baptist
From Jason Little, CEO, Baptist Memorial Health Care
Sports injuries are some of the most common injuries people experience – in fact, more than 10 million sports injuries occur every year. My kids love being active, especially once summer arrives and temperatures get warmer. My wife and I do everything we can to make sure they are playing safely, wearing the right protective gear, and staying hydrated.
Whether you’re cooling off at the swimming pool, playing a volleyball game with friends, or running in a marathon, you are at risk for a sports injury. However, there are many simple things you can do to prevent them. Keep the following tips in mind:
- Plan at least one day off from sports per week so your body has time to recover.
- Use conditioning exercises during practice to strengthen your muscles.
- Stretch before and after games or practice, as well as during your daily fitness routine, to improve flexibility.
- Wear properly fitted protective equipment like helmets, pads, face guards, protective cups, mouthpieces, and eyewear.
- Make sure you are practicing the right technique and using it at all times.
- Take rest breaks during practice and games.
- Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercise.
- If possible, avoid practicing or playing games during periods of high heat or humidity.
- Play safely and abide by all safety rules to minimize risk of injury.
- If you feel pain at any time, stop the activity immediately.