SAN CLEMENTE, CA -- 06/24/08 --
School's out and summer is the time of
year when millions of children attend various camps, many of which are
sports-related. From basketball to tennis to football and even hockey,
kids need to be physically prepared for their sport of choice or injuries
could occur. According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, about 3.5
million children ages 14 and under receive medical treatment after getting
injured from playing sports every year. Medical experts say kids need to be
armed with the right tools before engaging in any athletic activity. Doing
proper exercises, wearing protective gear, and eating nutrition foods are
key to preventing injuries. This summer, GOT MILK? along with health
professionals throughout California are teaming-up to provide tips for
parents on how to keep kids safe from injuries and broken bones.
Many medical experts say one of the main reasons sports-related injuries
have increased over the years is because children are not getting enough
calcium. The problem is exacerbated by poor nutrition due to the
popularity of sodas and caffeinated drinks which could deplete calcium in
the body. The National Institutes of Health reports over 90% of girls and
75% of boys ages 9 to 13 have inadequate calcium intake.
"These statistics are alarming and continue to grow," says Dr. Andres
Smith, emergency room physician at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center in the
San Diego area. "This age group is at the most critical time for bone
growth and parents must address the issue of calcium deficiency with their
active children or face serious consequences in the emergency room."
According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, most sports-injuries in kids
14 and under result from falls, being struck by an object or collisions.
Doctors say one way to prevent such injuries is by getting enough calcium
in the diet, which includes at least three daily servings of low-fat or
nonfat dairy like milk.
"Milk continues to be the number one source of calcium for strong bones,"
says Dr. Smith. "Plus it contains other nutrients like vitamins D, A, B12,
potassium and magnesium."
Besides a diet rich in calcium, medical experts recommend that children get
at least one hour of physical activity every day. A great way to build
strong bones is by jumping rope because it stresses the bones causing the
bones' building cells to turn on. So kids can jump rope for 10-15 minutes,
followed by playing a sport or running.
The Safe Kids Campaign also suggests the following tips in preventing
sports injuries for the summer:
1) Before participating in a sport or athletic camp, children should
receive physical exams from their pediatrician to determine their
general health.
2) Children should always wear sport-specific properly fitting safety
gear when participating in sports-related activities.
3) Make sure children are enrolled in the proper age-group or skill
level of their particular activity.
4) Make sure kids play in a safe environment like rinks, courts, fields,
etc. that are free from debris or cracks that could cause injury.
5) Provide children with the adequate training or exercises when learning
a new sport.
For more information and/or tips, please visit www.gotmilk.com.
About Dr. Andres Smith
Dr. Andres Smith is the medical director at the Emergency Medicine
Department at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center near San Diego, Calif. He
received his medical degree from University of Illinois College of Medicine
and performed his internship and residency at Martin Luther King-Drew
Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif.
About the CMPB
The California Milk Processor Board was established in 1993 to make milk
more competitive and increase milk consumption in California. Awareness of
GOT MILK? is over 90% nationally and it is considered one of the most
important and successful campaigns in history. GOT MILK? is a federally
registered trademark that has been licensed by the national dairy boards
since 1995. GOT MILK? gifts and recipes can be viewed at www.gotmilk.com.
The CMPB is funded by all California milk processors and administered by
the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
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