A new school year is just around the corner, and you know what that means—a new fall sports season!

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Sevierville wants to offer you tips on how you can prevent injuries this sports season so that your young athlete can have fun and stay in the game injury-free!

What Are Some of the Benefits of Playing Sports as a Child?

There is more to a sport than playing. While playing a sport you love is fun, you are also learning a number of other life lessons, such as how to work as a team and how to face adversity.

In addition, the physical activity involved also promotes overall health for kids by reducing the risk of obesity, improving heart health and growing healthy bones and muscles!

Sports Played in Fall

• Cross country
• Field hockey
• Football
• Golf
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Water polo

Who Is at a High Risk of Concussion?

Although anyone can suffer a concussion if there is a blow to the head, there are some fall sports that are more at risk, such as football and soccer. In fact, while you might think that football causes the most concussions, girls soccer is actually the unfortunate leader in this category.

Therefore, it is extremely important for the right sports equipment to be worn every practice and game to ensure a young athlete stays as safe as possible from sports injuries, including concussions.

Ways to Prevent Injuries

• Get a sports physical.
• Warm up and cool down before each practice and game.
• Perform strength training and stretching exercises.
• Stay hydrated.
• Don’t push through pain.
• Wear proper safety equipment, including a well-fitted helmet.

Does your athlete need a sports physical? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Sevierville today!