Spring is here!
(In case the pollen didn’t tip you off already!)
One of the most exciting things about this time of year for kiddos is spring sports. After a cold winter, it’s time to get outdoors and get active.
Spring sports are a great way to get your child involved in physical activities, but it’s important to prepare them for the season ahead. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to make sure your child is physically and mentally ready to play. Here are some tips to help you get your kids ready for spring sports.
Get a pre-season evaluation
Whether your kiddo is a 4-year-old playing pee-wee league or a high schooler joining the varsity lacrosse team, scheduling a pre-season exam with the child’s pediatrician is critical—even if it isn’t required by the school or league.
A pre-season evaluation will assess your child’s overall health and determine if they are physically fit enough to participate in the sport. The evaluation will also identify any pre-existing conditions that could affect their performance or increase the risk of injury. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your child is healthy and ready to play.
Get your kid used to moving again
Especially if your child has been relatively sedentary all winter long, it’s a good idea to encourage some physical activity prior to starting the new season.
With older children, ask their coach to recommend any particular conditioning activities to prepare for the upcoming season. You can help children of any age begin to become more active by encouraging them to go outside and walk or run around—or better yet, join them! Take a few minutes each day to do some simple stretching exercises together, too. It’s a win-win for both of you.
Ensure proper nutrition and hydration
Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for any athlete.
Make sure your child is eating a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, as they can cause a crash in energy levels.
And hydration is even more important — kids overheat more quickly than adults. To avoid fatigue and heat stroke, have your child drink plenty of water 1 to 2 hours before the activity and sip on small amounts every 12 to 20 minutes during the activity.
Warm-Up and Stretching
Before your child starts playing, make sure they warm up properly. This will get their muscles ready for the activity ahead and reduce the risk of injury. Encourage your child to do some light jogging, jumping jacks, or other activities to get their heart rate up. After warming up, stretching is also important to prevent muscle tightness and injury. Make sure your child stretches all the major muscle groups, including their legs, arms, back, and neck.
We’re here to help get your child ready for spring sports!
If your kid is playing sports this spring, they might need an updated physical form.
At StarMed, we know you’re busy. Whether you’ve waited until the last minute, or your pediatrician isn’t available to fill out your child’s form, we’ve got you covered.
We have physical forms onsite and providers ready to fill them out for your child, no appointment needed.
And an updated physical form isn’t just your child’s sports permission slip — it gives you peace of mind about their health.
With StarMed, your child doesn’t have to miss out on a minute of fun.
Find your clinic now and get your child’s physical up to date!