Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’ve been talking about sports for kids and how to keep kids safe and healthy while they’re participating in physical activities, whether on their own or as part of a team. Using proper techniques and proper equipment can help prevent a lot of sports-related injuries.
Another important thing to keep in mind is hydration. Dr. Luis Palacios, a sports medicine expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says kids should stay hydrated by drinking water or sports drinks before and during physical activities. Plain old water is just fine for less strenuous activities, but if kids like the taste of sports drinks they may be more likely to drink enough. Caffeinated sodas aren’t as good because caffeine is a diuretic that draws fluid out of the body. Hydration becomes more important as temperatures get warmer and athletes sweat more.
###
April 2007
Health Watch is heard Monday through Friday nationwide on ABC Satellite Radio. Call your local radio station and ask if they carry the program.
