4 Sports are a great way for kids to keep moving, learn about teamwork, and make friends. But mishaps do happen — on the soccer and football fields, the gym mat, the basketball court, and other areas of play. Don’t let injuries keep your child on the bench. As a parent, you play a vital role in helping your child stay safe. Make safety part of your family game plan. Help your child try new things. Focusing on one sport early on may lead to overuse injuries, stress, and burnout. Help your child try sports that match their age and stage, and focus on the fun — not on winning, losing, or becoming a star athlete. Make helmets a must. Remind kids and teens who play high-risk sports — such as baseball, football, and hockey — to always wear a helmet during practice and games. The same goes for bike riding, skateboarding, snowboarding, and skiing. A helmet can help protect kids and teens from a serious head injury, such as a concussion, which can happen from a bump or blow to the head. Talk about concussion symptoms. Tell your child to stop playing — even during an important game — if they feel sluggish or hazy or if they have symptoms such as: • Dizziness • Balance problems • Headache or pressure in the head • Nausea or vomiting Remind your child to report symptoms to the coach right away. Supply plenty of water. Send your child to practice and games with a water bottle, and make sure they drink plenty of water before, during, and after play. Team up. If your child has asthma or another medical condition that requires special attention, meet with the coaches before the first practice. That way, they know what to watch for and what to do if symptoms occur. Help your child stay safe during sports
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