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The 7 Most Dangerous Youth Sports in America
The benefits of sports for children are seemingly limitless. They can build character, self-esteem and social relationships, instill a sense of belonging and team building concepts, be a venue for social development-not to mention the positive effects that activity has on a child physically. But as with so many things in life, with the benefits comes the potential risk for injury. According to the National Safe Kids Campaign, some 20 percent of children participating in sports activities are injured-and one out of four of these injuries is considered serious. Knowing how to reduce your child's risk of injury is the first step to ensuring that he or she has a positive sports experience, which is why SixWise.com has compiled a list of tips to keep your children safe while they play. Based on information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and an ESPN sports poll published in the Sports Business Journal, here is a general risk of injury from seven of the top sports in America. Risk of Injury in Seven Top U.S. Youth Sports
Football Wearing protective equipment is one of the more important ways to minimize the risk of injury. Necessary equipment that is, fortunately, required by most youth football leagues includes:
Mountain Biking (and other bicycling) According to the National Head Injury Foundation, each year nearly 50,000 bicyclists suffer serious head injuries leaving them with permanent disabilities. The good news is that helmets can greatly reduce this risk. A study in Seattle found that wearing a bicycle helmet reduced the risk of head injury by 85 percent. Other biking risks include:
In regard to bike helmets, which should be worn EVERY time your child-or you!-rides a bike, the helmet should:
If you have a hard time getting your older child or teen to wear a helmet-you're sure that he takes it off as soon as he gets down the block-Amazon.com has some Louis Garneau Grunge Kids Helmets that look so cool your kids will be asking for one in each color! Basketball Sprains and strains to the ankle and knee are the most injuries in basketball. Some 38 percent of boys and 36 percent of girls playing basketball have had an injury to their ankle or foot. According to a study by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), the most common causes of injuries in basketball result from:
To reduce the risk of sprains and strains, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends that athletes:
Soccer The following tips can help to prevent soccer injuries, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:
Skateboarding Since skateboarding involves moving quickly over hard surfaces, it can result in injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to serious brain injury. Many injuries involve the wrist, ankle or face and result when a person loses their balance or control and falls. To reduce the risk of injury, proper equipment must be worn, which includes:
Other tips include:
Baseball and Softball According to a NATA study, the most common injuries suffered by baseball players are:
To protect your young baseball or softball player, make sure that he or she:
And for all sports, make sure to keep the focus on fun! Too much pressure to win can push children too hard and increase the chances that they could get hurt. |
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