Athetes today are pushing themselves harder than ever. With most kids participating in multiple sports, and coaches and trainers pushing harder than ever, it's important to talk to your athlete about how to protect themselves and recognize when they need to take a break. It's crucial that parents talk to their athletes and equip them with all the information necessary to protect themselves, and perform better on the field.
1. Do not ignore an injury
There's a big difference between pushing through, and causing damage. Make sure your child knows it's ok to stop if something is hurting or they don't feel 100%. According to Dr. Lee from Hopkins Medicine: “I’ve seen a number of young athletes who have serious injuries and didn’t do anything about them, and now the damage has progressed."
2. Develop a good hydration habit
Games are extremely hectic, and athletes often forget to replenish the fluids they have lost. This is especially prevalent for sports in which a significant amount of clothing is worn, like hockey. Remind your kid to drink water regularly when they're playing, and watch out for signs of heat exhaustion.
3. Try to stick with healthy snacks
Healthy fats, proteins, and carbs help replenish muscle and allow for
