How to Prevent Kids Sports Injuries

1.Stretch Stretch Stretch
Before any physical activity the most important thing is calisthenics. Ensuring that your child's muscles are properly stretched prior to their sporting events will prevent most injuries that may occur due to over working a particular area of the body.

2. Hydration
In the hot summer months the most important thing to do is keep your child hydrated. Soda is not the answer. Water and sports drinks like Gatorade will give your child the fluids that they need to keep their engines going. Soda and Juices full of sugar will only cause them to have muscle cramps and perform at subpar levels.

3. Practice Makes Perfect
Be sure to give your child the proper lessons that they may need prior to playing a sport. Going into something cold turkey is never a fun thing, so throw or kick the ball around with them and get them excited about playing a sport. Make sure they learn the dos and don'ts of the game so they're less prone to accidental injury.

4.Sleep
Make sure your children are getting enough rest on a nightly basis. Studies show that 8-10 hours of sleep will ensure that your child better performs to the top of their potential in their daily activities.

5.Muscles need Nourishment
You've seen the commercials for muscle creams that relieve aches and pains. This is in no way shape or form something parents should just give their children to freely apply to their body. In 2007 there was an accidental overdose that caused a young track star to lose their life (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19208195/). In moderation these creams are effective, but the most effective thing a parent can do for their child is give them a deep massage in the areas that they are experiencing the most severe pains. In most cases a Sports Massage is highly recommended for your young athlete. (http://www.mamashealth.com/massage/sports.asp).