Armor for your young athlete
September 17, 2008 by Grace Ibay
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Whether it’s after-school sports activities, or just a playing around the neighborhood, wearing proper safety gear is important to reduce the risk of injuries in children.
Helmets are the most common safety gear and should be worn when in sports and activities that have a risk of serious head injuries. Alas, some 300,000 sports-related concussions are reported in the United States each year. However, protection should not be limited to helmets, nor should parents think that wearing a helmet alone is enough protection.
Mouth guards and shin guards, affordable at $1 each, protect the mouth area and should be worn for all contact and collision sports, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Face guards and face protectors are another level of protection against collision or impact.
The Nemours Foundation even recommends pads, wrist, elbow and knee guards, protective cups (for boys) for certain sports, and proper and safe shoes. I know your child may look like a pintsize medieval knight (my daughter does!)but, not to be paranoid, every level of protection and safety count.
image used with permission by Newscom
That kid on the pic is just lovely
There’s nothing wrong with protecting your kid, just make sure that you don’t over do it and the little one still have fun while playing.