Getting Ready for Spring Sports

While children gear up for the busy spring sports season, many parents will be looking for safe, natural products to treat and prevent injuries. 

Youth sports are more popular than ever, with an estimated 58 million children participating in some type of organized sport. However, staying healthy and in the game can come at a price, because children’s growing bodies are particularly susceptible to injury. About one in four children will sustain some type of sports injury during the course of the year.

Even with the most stringent safety precautions, injuries from bumps , falls and overexertion commonly occur in young athletes, especially those participating in spring sports such as soccer, baseball, softball, outdoor track and lacrosse.

Parents must evaluate their children’s individual needs, make sure the pre-participation physical evaluation is current, and keep a well-stocked first aid kit on hand for on-the-spot treatment of injuries during games and practices.

First aid kits should address wound management, pain and swelling. Many sports gels and creams that treat muscle aches contain methyl salicylate and camphor, which, when absorbed by the skin in very large amounts, can be toxic or even deadly. Homeopathic remedies, such as Arnicare® Gel from Boiron, can treat not only muscle aches, but swelling and bruising that may occur from minor injuries, trauma and overexertion. The active ingredient is Arnica montana, a perennial plant commonly found in the northwestern parts of the United States and central Europe. It has no known drug interactions or reported side effects.

Children’s skin is more vulnerable to damage caused by the sun and the harmful effects of chemical exposure from many types of sun lotions. I recommend parents choose a sunscreen, such as Kiss My Face® Oat Protein Sunscreen, with a sun protect ion factor (SPF) of 30 that is rated high for protection against both ultraviolet (UV) A and UVB radiation. Products with an SPF of 15 or higher provide the most protect ion to children involved in outdoor sports.

Lip balms are also essential to protecting the nose and lips from wind and sun. Kiss My Face’s Sport Lip Balm provides excellent protection (SPF 30) and does not have any bee- or insect-attracting scents that can be a problem in warmer weather. When those pesky insects start to appear, it is a good idea to have 100 percent natural insect repellents available; Burt’s Bees® Herbal Insect Repellent is one such option.

To meet the nutritional needs of young athletes, retailers may also want to promote healthy snacks and fluids. A young athlete should consume a diet rich in nutrient-dense complex carbohydrates, with mode rat e amounts of protein, salt, sugars and sodium, and low in fat and cholesterol. Whole grain energy bars made with mostly organic ingredients, such as CLIF® ZbaRs, are lower in fat and sugar, compared to other kids’ snacks.

Fluids play a critical role in maintaining the health and performance of young athletes. Heat stroke ranks second among reported deaths in young athletes. Look for sports drinks that contain 4 to 8 percent carbohydrate (10 to 18 grams per 8oz.) and between 36 to 77 calories per 8 oz. for optimal absorption and performance. Another great option for a pre-game snack is a protein energy smoothie, like those made by Naked® or Odwalla®, as long as they are consumed about an hour before game time.

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