January 9, 2010
Topping the list!!!
Dear Mrs. Figgins:
Please help us settle a friendly “disagreement” between my husband and me.
Our son Jacob is entering Jr. High. My husband is encouraging him into trying out for football and hockey, which scares me to death because of the potential injuries.
I want my son to play a less dangerous sport like basketball, baseball.
Worried Mom in Michigan
Dear Worried:
Guess what? Basketball tops the list as far as sending kids to the emergency room – according to a Loyola University 2005 study.
Surprisingly absent: hockey! Kids that play basketball in or out of school, are at risk for knee injuries – the same injuries that bench many NBA professionals.
Statistics may vary but the information below is sure an eye opener:
1. Basketball
More than 500,000 a million kids went to the ER in just one year with injuries sustained playing hoops. Damage to the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a common injury and any sport involving twisting, jumping, pivoting, squatting, or making sudden stops puts kids at risk. Proper coaching is a must.
2. Bicycling
This sport sent more kids (485,669) to the ER more than football. Wearing a helmet greatly reduces risk.
3. Football
This sport sent more than 418,200 kids to the ER. The Center for Injury Research and Policy found football to be the leading cause of sports-related injuries among kids.
4. Soccer
This sport can be dangerous, with about 175,000 soccer-playing kids in an ER. The portable soccer goals should be securely anchored to the ground.
5. Baseball
Some 155,000 Little Leaguers ended up in emergency rooms. Children should wear proper protective gear and be taught how to safely slide into bases and other fundamentals. Heat exhaustion is also a big threat.
Mrs. Figgins
Love,advice
