Overuse sports injuries in my family - and yours?

The Albuquerque Journal has a good article this week on overuse injuries and how they can derail the sports lives of youth athletes.

Journal reporter Amanda Schoenberg spoke with coaches, ex-athletes and a pediatrician who treats sports injuries. A few months back, Amanda also called here to chat about Until It Hurts and to pick up information about Ben's elbow injury and my regret over having done a lousy job recognizing that my son might be at risk.

At the end of the piece Schoenberg includes six tips for keeping kids healthy in sports.

1. Drink plenty of water before, during and after a game. Dehydration often leads to heatstroke, which can sideline children indefinitely.

2. Listen to your body. Many injuries are due to the stress and overuse of muscles. Rest may be the only solution.

3. Use the proper equipment. From shin guards to swimming goggles, choosing the right safety gear can help prevent injuries.

4. Don’t return to the game until fully healed. Missing one game now can save young athletes from missing an entire season later.

5. Keep constant communication. Problems can’t be solved unless someone is made aware of them.

6. Seek advice from a health care provider if severe or chronic problems develop.