Participation in sports and recreational activities provide health benefits as well as health risks.

Participation in sports provide health benefits as well as health risks.

More than 38 million children play organized sports each year in the United States.  An estimated 3.5 million injuries are sustained by youth while playing sports.  Approximately 2/3 of sports-related injuries treated in emergency departments occur to children. An estimated 2/5 of traumatic brain injuries among children are associated with participation in sports and recreational activities. The most common types of sport-related injuries in children are sprains (mostly ankle), muscle strains, bone or growth plate injuries and heat-related illness.

Experts say that half of all sports injuries can be prevented.  Components of preventing sports injuries include annual pre-participation physical exams, proper hydration before, during and after games and practices, and concussion prevention and screening.

April 17th through 23rd is Safe Kids' Youth Sports Safety Week.  I’m Safe has a variety of sports safety education products for sports enthusiasts of all ages!  Call (877) 669-7233 Ext. 205 for additional information about our selection of safety products.