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By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
September 12, 2013 (San Diego) – School is now back in session and along with it comes sports! With over 30 million youths participating in sports, injuries are very likely to occur. Most sports related injuries can be prevented with some basic preventive measures says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.
Keeping in shape “prior” to the season is a good start. It’s still hot, so take it easy on hot or humid days and keep hydrated. Warm up prior to engaging is also important. Many schools require a physical exam before starting a school sport. Check with your child’s school. You may even want to have your child get a physical from your family physician.
Concussions
A direct blow to the head, or a hit to the body that causes the head to jerk back quickly, can result in a concussion. Signs and symptoms may include a loss of consciousness.
Heat Illnesses
Extreme temperatures, particularly when combined with high humidity or intense sunlight, can interfere with the body's normal ways of regulating temperature. Heat illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, occur mostly outside and during the summer, but can happen anytime or anywhere.
Orthopedic Injuries
Sprains, strains, growth-plate fractures (damage to areas of cartilage near the ends of developing bones), tendonitis, and other injuries to bones, ligaments, and joints can be caused by falls, but also by overtraining in one sport. Knee injuries are also among the most costly. The sports with the worst knee injury rate are football and wrestling among boys, and basketball and soccer for girls.
Make sure you check with your school district and ensure your child is prepared before participating in school sports.
For additional sports related prevention and information, visit: http://www.athealth.com/Consumer/disorders/SportsInjuries.html
Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
*Note: The information in this article was compiled from various sources. These suggestions are not a complete list of every preventative or loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace additional safety manuals or the advice of another qualified professional(s). We make no guarantee of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.
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