Youth Sports Injuries Are Frequent
Sports injuries are one of the most frequent causes of adolescent injury and a cause for concern, according to Dr. Charles E. Wilhelm of Virginia Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Williamsburg, Virginia. “It is important for parents to note that 65 percent of these injuries occur during practice,” he said.
The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation estimates that three to five million young athletes go to emergency rooms for sports injuries and their family doctors may see another eight million. The Foundation and Wilhelm believe that many of these costly and upsetting injuries are preventable.
Be Proactive to Protect Youth Against Sports-Related Injuries
“Parents should ask if first aid is available and a backup plan for treatment is in place,” said Wilhelm. “Ask if the team has a certified athletic trainer available and if the coach is certified in sports first aid.”