Health Risks and Preparation Associated With Student Sports Participation
With the start of the National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, it’s important to realize that participation in team and solo sports presents a risk of injury to your child.
Gaining knowledge about the most common sports injuries helps in preparing for emergency situations. Here are three injuries to keep in mind.
Concussion
Despite the use of protective gear, impacts to the head area can cause a serious concussion to develop. It is important for your student to see a doctor after each injury to the head or neck. At the appointment, the doctor will review your child’s health history forms and perform a thorough evaluation of the injuries to create an appropriate treatment plan.
Dislocation
Dislocation of the joint can occur when your student suffers a sprain to the ankle, knees, wrists, elbows or shoulders. The dislocated joint may quickly pop back into place or require manipulation by an orthopedic surgeon. Until the joint returns to its natural position, your child’s pain levels will remain quite high. Athletic trainers and emergency physicians must quickly evaluate the injury and take your child’s medical history into account to determine the best course of action.
Fracture
Fractures may occur from collisions between players or just after stepping wrong on the field. A fractured bone requires medical attention to return to its natural position and stay in place while healing. A thorough review of your child’s medical history gives the surgeons, anesthesiologists, and emergency physicians the information they need to proceed with treatment.
Whether your child plays in school or club sports, you may complete a secure health profile for your athlete and share emergency health information and/or medical health history information with the professionals attending to your injured athlete. Athletic programs throughout the US and Canada are using Privit Profile to have their athlete health information readily available, and improving their process for collecting and managing athlete health information.
Emergencies are never planned. Be prepared and have health information at your fingertips when you need it.
