Spring sports season is just getting started, which means parents and athletes are training and getting geared up to compete. Every season brings new goals, challenges and opportunities for growth. Whether you have a high school athlete showing off to college scouts or a toddler on a tee-ball field, safety is a top priority for parents and caregivers.
In honor of National Athletic Training Month, our team has gathered safety tips for student athletes and their caregivers to ensure safety this season.
Try These Safety Tips for Student Athletes
Don’t Skimp on Stretching
Stretching and warming up before activity may not be the highlight of playing, but it’s an essential step in smart sports. Warming up and stretching before activity can help ease your body into aerobic exercise and prevent injuries. Not only is stretching preventative, it loosens muscles, improves movement and has a positive outcome on overall performance.
Get the Right Equipment
Making sure your student athlete has the gear they need to succeed is one of the best ways you can support them. Playing or training in ill-fitting clothes or worn-out gear can lead to frustration and injury.
No matter the season or your location, dehydration is always a possibility with athletics. Ensure that your kids always have water on hand throughout the year, but particularly during practice and games. If you’re unsure that your student is properly hydrated, urine color can be an indicator, clear urine typically means proper hydration. Warning signs of dehydration include: dizziness, dry mouth, muscle cramps, increased heart rate, nausea, and vomiting.
Educate Yourself on Concussion Warning Signs
If you pay attention to sports news, you understand just how serious head injuries can be. If a child has taken a blow or bump to the head, they should be monitored by coaches and parents afterward before returning to the field. Appearing dazed or stunned, memory recall issues, slow speech or sluggish movement are just a few signs of concussion and should be taken seriously.
Make Rest a Priority
Student athletes are busy, not only do they have sports, but they probably also have homework, friends, family, and other extra-curriculars. In the midst of a busy week, it can be tempting to let their sleep schedule slide.
In fact, according to research student athletes should get 1-2 hours more sleep than students who are not involved in sports.
Supplements & Products to Support Student Athletes
Nutrition is a key factor in setting your student athletes up for success. Supplements and nutritional support products are another factor in giving them the energy they need. Here are a few products recommended for student athletes.
Athletic Nutrients from Pure Encapsulations
Best suited for older teen athletes, Athletic Nutrients from Pure Encapsulations is a multivitamin and mineral complex to support performance. Created to enhance exercise performance and training this product may promote energy, stamina and lessen muscle fatigue.
Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Packets by Ultima Health Products
High energy exercise can lead to dehydration and a loss of electrolytes. Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Packets by Ultima Health Products is an advanced drink mix designed to provide Optimal hydration through a balance of macro and micro-essential electrolytes.
Raw, Organic Protein from Garden of Life
Protein helps the body repair and recover after activity, and most athletes extra more protein to sustain performance. Raw, Organic Protein from Garden of Life provides high quality, plant-based protein plus live probiotics and enzymes to aid in performance and recovery.
Did we miss any essential safety tips for student athletes? Tell us what you would include in the comments section below.