If you are a parent of an active teen, then you need to take steps to protect them. While coaches often demand a lot from players, your job is to make sure that they are staying safe. Almost 8,000 teens are treated in emergency rooms daily for sports-related injuries. Here are four ideas to help you protect your teen.
Get Teens a Physical
A sports physical focuses on issues related to athletics rather than general issues that may be found in a general physical. It is important that your child receive both types annually. In particular, a sports physical looks at the heart and family history of heart problems. Additionally, a sports physical looks for vision and hearing problems. It will also include a look at blood pressure problems.
Secure a Sports Mouth Guard
Dental work in teens is expensive, so you will want to make sure that they have the right mouth guard, like those you could get from Valley Oak Dental Group Inc, to protect them. In many situations, your dentist will simply recommend a top mouth guard be worn. He will recommend a top and bottom mouth guard in other scenarios. It is your job as a parent to make sure that your child understands why it is important to wear it. Educating your child early may help protect braces, caps and other dental work.
Eat Soundly
Teens often overlook the importance of eating sensible meals. Make family mealtimes a priority in your home. Eat a variety of foods, and make sure to include fruits and vegetables in every meal. Depending on your teen, you may want to pack along fruits and vegetables to games and practices. Try to choose those high in water content as they help rehydrate the athlete’s body. Set a good example by eating healthy yourself as opposed to many choices from game concession stands.
Rest
Your job as a parent also includes making sure that your child gets enough rest. Teens need at least eight hours of sleep each night. Set boundaries requiring the teen to be in their room with electronics turned off at a particular time at night. Monitor them to make sure that they are following the rules. Remember to praise them when you catch them doing the right thing.
Being part of a sports team is a great way to encourage your child to stay active and may teach them the importance of teamwork. Keeping them safe, however, can seem like a full-time job. Start with these basics and move on from there.
