Aug 28, 2008 3:27 pm US/Eastern
Health Watch: Back To School Sports
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Sports are an integral part of back to school activities for many kids in our area, but, unless they're physically prepared, injuries can and do happen.
Youngsters who've been lounging most of the summer shouldn't jump right into the game come fall. Dr. Robert Gotlin, who specializes in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, says a simple exercise program can help kids get back into action with increased strength and flexibility.
"The warm up and the stretches [are] equally important just to prepare a child to get ready to play as it is to loosen muscles and ligaments," he said.
"I roll [my arms] up and down - in circles like in small and go to big," said sports enthusiast Jordan Housman.
Housman plays baseball, basketball and soccer, but being on the diamond is his favorite.
"He's pitched a lot at a young age," his dad Mark Housman said. "Sometimes his arm has hurt and so we stop, we shut him down."
According to Dr. Gotlin, "we err on the side of safety. If any child remains with a limp or more important has pain in one spot where they got hurt that means they're still injured, they shouldn't play until that pain goes away."
He says most child injuries aren't major. They are usually "pulled muscles or contusions or scrapes and bruises, and these will get better."
But making fitness a daily part of life can better the odds of avoiding serious setbacks like arthritis and other joint injuries.
"We have injuries now that can be long-lasting and affect the child forever," he warns.
As a parent and coach, Mark Housman's advice is easy to follow.
"Work them slowly. Let them have fun. Let them be kids."
In addition to a healthy diet, the recommendation from The National Institute Of Health is that kids get 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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