(NC)-The snow is gone, the sun is shining bright and the soccer pitches are waiting. The Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors (ACAC) offers some health tips to get your budding soccer star ready for game day.
• A good warm up helps prevent injuries and strains on muscles and joints. Young athletes should begin with a slow jog to warm up their legs and arms and then do appropriate stretching of all the major muscle groups (from largest muscles groups to smallest).
• Hydration is essential for all athletes. Ensure your child drinks plenty of fluids before, during and after physical activity to stay hydrated.
• Nutrition is equally important. A good, balanced breakfast is the most important meal of the day, as is eating a healthy meal before and after practice or a game. This provides proper nutrient replenishment and refuels the body.
• Safety and injury prevention are important when young athletes take to the field. Ensure your child wears suitable clothing and proper equipment that fits correctly.
• Eight to ten hours of sleep is essential for a growing and energetic young athlete. Lack of sleep and proper rest can catch up with your child and decrease performance-not to mention increasing the chances of injury.
If your child or teen experiences a sport-related injury, seek professional health care attention. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to treat sprains and strains in all age groups and can provide advice on sports training, nutrition and injury prevention to young athletes. More information and assistance finding a chiropractor can be found online at www.albertachiro.com.
- News Canada