6 Top Tips to Help Your Child Avoid Injuries This Summer

As the weather warms up and the days get longer, kids spend more time outside playing and competing in sports. Even though it’s fun to play outside, active play can open the door for more injuries.

Parents of kids and adolescents might wonder how they can help their kids avoid an unexpected urgent care visit this summer for a twisted ankle or sprained wrist. Westmed Family Healthcare in Westminster, Colorado, is prepared to treat minor injuries that commonly happen during outside play.

Family medicine specialists Clifton Etienne, MD, Michael Cavanagh, MD, and Flora Brewington, MD, can treat your kids’ injuries when they happen. We can also offer tips for avoiding summertime injuries in the first place.

Here are our top tips for keeping your child injury-free this summer:

1. Bring your child in for a physical exam

Our experts at Westmed Family Healthcare provide annual wellness visits to people of all ages. Getting a physical is an easy way to check in on your child’s health and fitness, and it might be a prerequisite if your child is going to camp or entering a summer sports program.

During a physical, our team reviews important information about your child’s health and wellness. If their goal is to participate in sports this summer, a sports physical will review their readiness by checking:

Medical history
Height and weight
Recovery from past injuries
Vision
Heart and lungs
Muscle, bone, and joint health

Through a physical or wellness visit, our team can identify possible risk factors for common active play injuries. We might recommend treatment or extra accommodations to keep your child safe.

2. Keep a close eye during playtime

One of the most active steps you can take to prevent injuries to your child while they play is supervising them. You can keep watch to make sure they’re not roughhousing too hard or climbing to dangerous heights.

As an extra step for safety, consider taking a first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification course. These trainings give you the tools to act quickly in the event of an injury or medical emergency while your child plays.

3. Check play surfaces

A large field or parking lot might seem like the perfect place for kids to run around and play, but surfaces like these should be checked first.

Holes in the ground can be trip hazards for kids while playing and can lead to twisted ankles and other injuries. You might not see holes or potholes at first glance, so take a moment to walk around and check before playtime.

4. Make sure your child is well-nourished

A healthy, well-balanced diet can keep your child energized while helping prevent injuries. Protein and other nutrients can strengthen their bones and tissues, making them less prone to damage. A balanced diet can also help injuries heal faster, so your child can recover and enjoy more playtime.

Be sure to encourage your child to drink plenty of water too. Hydration is key to avoiding heat-related illness and exhaustion during the summer.

5. Encourage warmups

Stretching and warming up before sports or intense play helps loosen your child’s muscles so they’re less likely to tighten or tear. Encourage both static stretches (holding a position for a short time, like touching their toes) and dynamic stretches (movement-involved stretches like jumping jacks).

6. Balance playtime with rest

Intense play and exercise should always be balanced with plenty of rest. Make sure your child gets enough sleep at night, and encourage rest days if they’re highly active or participate in multiple sports. Well-rested kids are less likely to get injuries from overusing certain muscles and muscle groups.

Book your next visit

Westmed Family Healthcare can help your kids gear up for a safe and active summer. Call our office today to book an appointment, or schedule one online anytime.