Today’s youth are struggling against obesity and inactivity. According to the Center for Disease Control, 34% of American children suffer from overweight, obesity and physical inactivity. Continue reading “Encourage Physical Activity: Get Behind the PHIT Act”
Pediatric Sports Injuries On The Rise
According to a recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle there has been an explosive increase in sports injuries in children that once were associated mostly with pro athletes. “The trend is a result of youth sports becoming increasingly competitive as children and teenagers face growing pressure to perform their best and win college scholarships or even a professional gig.”
Girls tend to be more prone to knee injuries. Tears of the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, which stabilizes the knee, can be career ending. This type of injury is more likely to occur in soccer, basketball and gymnastics.
So how do we minimize risk of injury? The article offers the following tips:
- Limit playing time, especially in sports that require repetitive motion.
- Cross-train.
- Build muscle. This is particularly important for girls to make sure their muscles are equally built so they don’t put too much strain on their joints.
- Learn proper technique.
- Rest. After an injury, allow the body time to heal.
Avoid Sedentary Behavior Among Kids Through Youth Sports
Today’s youth spend a considerable amount of time with media. One study found that time spent watching TV, videos, DVDs, and movies averaged slightly over 3 hours per day among children aged 8–18 years. Continue reading “Avoid Sedentary Behavior Among Kids Through Youth Sports”
The Importance of Physical Activity
The lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating contribute to child obesity and a number of chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Continue reading “The Importance of Physical Activity”
Five Tips to Help Prevent Child Obesity
It’s no secret that, in the United States, the number of overweight children and teens has continued to rise over the past two decades. You may wonder: What steps are being taken to address this trend? Continue reading “Five Tips to Help Prevent Child Obesity”