Keeping Young Athletes Healthy and Fit

According to the American Chiropractic Association's Council on Sports Injuries and Physical Fitness, "The majority, if not all, sports are good, provided that the child prepares appropriately. Without proper preparation, playing any sport can turn into a bad experience. There are structural and physical developmental issues that need to be taken into consideration before children undertake certain sports."

The council recommends parents encourage their children to:

• Wear the proper equipment. Make sure all equipment, including helmets, pads, and shoes, fit your child or adolescent.
• Eat healthy meals. Make sure your young athlete is eating a well-balanced diet and does not skip meals.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Drink water. Teenage athletes should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
• Avoid sugar-loaded, caffeinated and carbonated drinks.
• Follow a warm-up routine.
• Take vitamins daily. A multi-vitamin and Vitamin C are good choices for the young athlete.
• Get plenty of rest. Eight hours of sleep is ideal for the young athlete.
• Chiropractic care can help… Chiropractors are trained and licensed to treat the entire neuromusculoskeletal system and can provide advice on sports training, nutrition and injury prevention to young athletes.