As our Central Texas summer winds up, youngsters may be spending more time outdoors and many young athletes begin practice for team sports. Most parents encourage physical activity to improve fitness and to burn calories that may contribute to gaining excess weight. If your child is active, family medicine physician Roger Gildersleeve, MD, has some general advice on how to reduce risks.

"Sports and exercise are essential for the health of young people, but its important to minimize the risks. Parents and coaches can help by watching young athletes for signs of injury or illness and making sure they get medical attention when they need it," comments Dr. Gildersleeve. He suggests keeping an eye on several things.

Dehydration

"Sweating reduces potassium and sodium and throws electrolytes out of balance. Keep kids hydrated, especially on the hottest days and do not let them play outside at all when it's too hot for safety. Although sugary drinks should not be a regular replacement for water as a means of hydration, sports drinks can help to quickly rebalance electrolytes. If you see any symptoms of dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, get the child off the playing field," he says. Symptoms can include:

• Lightheadedness
• Confusion
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Extreme thirst

Head Injury

"If a player has been injured and has lost consciousness for even a few seconds, he or she should leave the game immediately and seek medical help. In the event of a concussion, the regulation of the blood flow in the brain changes and a second hit can be fatal," adds. Dr. Gildersleeve. He points out that head injuries also may exhibit symptoms similar to those listed above for dehydration.

Skeletal/Joint Pain

"Take it seriously if a child complains of pain in the back, knees or shoulders. A child's bones are still growing up until age 15 or 17, so the risk of bone injury is higher. See your physician for a check-up and X-rays to rule out problems," he continues.

Put Safety Before Competition

Dr. Gildersleeve concludes: "Above all, dont let the excitement of competition overshadow the long-term health of a young athlete. Play it safe."

Roger Gildersleeve, MD Family Medicine

Sage Family Medicine
1000 Hesters Crossing Ste. 200
Round Rock, TX 78681
Phone: (512) 244-0446

Dr. Gildersleeve is a Board-certified family physician whose practice provides full-scope, full-lifespan family medical care in Round Rock.