Keep your young athlete healthy , Tips for preventing fractures and injuries

School is about to begin again and millions of children will become involved in athletic endeavors. From basketball to tennis to football and even hockey, kids need to be physically prepared for their sport of choice or injuries could occur.

According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, about 3.5 million children ages 14 and under receive medical treatment after getting injured from playing sports every year.

Medical experts say kids need to be armed with the right tools before engaging in any athletic activity. Doing proper exercises, wearing protective gear and eating nutritious foods are key to preventing injuries.

“Got Milk?” is teaming up with health professionals throughout California to provide tips for parents on how to keep kids safe from injuries and broken bones.

Many medical experts say one of the main reasons sports-related injuries have increased over the years is because children are not getting enough calcium. The problem is exacerbated by poor nutrition due to the popularity of sodas and caffeinated drinks that could deplete calcium in the body.

The National Institutes of Health reports that more than 90 percent of girls and 75 percent of boys ages 9 to 13 have inadequate calcium intake.

“These statistics are alarming and continue to grow,” says Dr. Andres Smith, emergency room physician at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. “This age group is at the most critical time for bone growth and parents must address the issue of calcium deficiency with their active children or face serious consequences in the emergency room.”

According to the National Safe Kids Campaign, most sports-injuries in kids 14 and under result from falls, being struck by an object or collisions. Doctors say one way to prevent such injuries is by getting enough calcium in the diet, which includes at least three daily servings of low-fat or nonfat dairy products, like milk.

“Milk continues to be the number one source of calcium for strong bones,” says Dr. Smith. “Plus, it contains other nutrients like vitamins D, A, B12, potassium and magnesium.”

Besides a diet rich in calcium, medical experts recommend that children get at least one hour of physical activity every day.

A great way to build strong bones is by jumping rope because it stresses the bones, causing their building cells to turn on. Kids can jump rope for 10 to 15 minutes, followed by playing a sport or running.

The Safe Kids Campaign also suggests the following tips in preventing sports injuries for the summer:

1. Before participating in a sport or other athletic program, children should receive physical exams from their pediatrician to determine their general health.

2. Children should always wear properly fitting sport-specific safety gear when participating in sports-related activities.

3. Make sure children are enrolled in the proper age group or skill level of their particular activity.

4. Make sure kids play in a safe environment like rinks, courts and fields that are free from debris or cracks that could cause injury.

5. Provide children with the adequate training or exercises when learning a new sport.

For more information and/or tips, visit http://www.gotmilk.com.