"Most of these sports injuries can be prevented."
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Scott VanderHill, M.D. is a Board Certified Physician at Mecosta Health Services in Big Rapids, and also a father of sports-involved children.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. VanderHill please call MHS at 231-796-3200. |
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Sports participation has become a major cause of serious injuries among children and adolescents. It is estimated that approximately three to five million youth are seen annually in hospital emergency rooms for sports injuries, and that another eight million are treated by family physicians for sports injuries. Most of these sports injuries can be prevented.
Guidelines for Youth Sports Safety and Injury Prevention:
- Protective padding, helmets, and proper gear should always be worn during sports. If safety equipment is provided or required, does it fit properly, meet national standards, and is it in good condition?
- Water should be nearby to prevent dehydration. One or two eight-ounce glasses of water before exercising should help prevent problems.
Coaches
- The coach should have participants do warm-ups, stretching, and cool down exercises.
- The coach should hand out a conditioning program before signups, so the children know before they go out for a team what is expected physically. A preseason meeting for parents outlining safety procedures is also helpful.
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Background checks on coaches should be done before hiring them.
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Make sports involvement fun and stay away from competitive pressure and stress.
- Allow Children to choos whether they want to participate and which sport they prefer.
- Remember that regular exercise is good for teh entire family and may be taught as a habit and not a punishment.
Our Local Sports Physicals:
Physicians and Allied Health Staff from MHS offer low-cost ($5 donation to the BR Sports Boosters) Sports Physical Screening Exams to students of Big Rapids Public Schools, St. Mary's, St. Peter's, Crossroads Charter Academy, and MHS/MCGH employee's children.
Boys Exams - Wed., May., May 12 from 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Girls Exams - Wed., June from 4:00-8:00 p.m.
MHS is also staffing the Chippewa Hills Sports Clinics at Chippewa Hills HS on May 25 and 26.
Schools should announce the schedule and time for eah grade and gender.)
On-Line Sports Safety Course:
P.R.E.P.A.R.E. is a comprehensive, online sports safety course for those who need basic sports safety education.
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It covers everything from minor injuries, such as blisters, nose bleeds and ankle sprains, to life-threatening situations, including head and neck injuries. The course, which is available online at www.Sportssafety.org, costs $28 and takes approximately three hours to complete. It focuses on the basics of: emergency planning; heat and cold illnesses; emergency recognition; medical considerations; principles of first aid; head, neck and facial injuries; and warm-up and cool down.
The flexibility of online learning allows participants to complete the course at their own pace. The NCSS (National Center for Sports Safety) is also establishing a network of health care professionals, including physicians and certified athletic trainers, who can teach the hands-on course in a group setting classroom.
Children can always benefit physically and socially from sporting activities and from team sports, but it is also necessary to make sure their play is fun, rewarding and injury-free.
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