Archive for sports medicine
Could returning to sports after COVID-19 harm kids’ mental health?
After a year away from playing, athletes everywhere are excited to jump back into the sports they love. And for the most part, participating in sports is great for kids’ mental health. Yet for some, the demands of training and competition can cause stress and anxiety. While their teammates celebrate their return to play, some ... Read More
Study links urinary incontinence in female athletes to low energy availability
Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common experience for female athletes that can significantly impact their enjoyment of and participation in sports. Previous studies have shown that female athletes who experience urinary incontinence are more likely to drop out of their sports. Noting a large number of female athletes presenting with urinary incontinence, physicians in the ... Read More
Organized sports and COVID-19: Are we there yet?
After a long, challenging year, many student athletes have returned to play this spring with joy and relief. But, organized sports have been linked to COVID-19 outbreaks in several states. The CDC warns that those who play close-contact and inside sports are at very high risk of infection. Even as they relax mandates to wear ... Read More
Returning to sports after having COVID-19
Mikey LaCroix, age 23, competes in snowboard cross for the U.S. Snowboard Team. In late 2020, he was diagnosed with COVID-19 and had mild symptoms including a low-grade fever, chills, and loss of smell and taste that lasted about two weeks. Before returning to the slopes after his illness, Mikey had to go through specific ... Read More
Gearing up for sports? Call your child’s pediatrician
Every year, young athletes are required to get sports physicals, clearing them for participation in organized athletics. But, did you know that these physicals should be done by your child’s primary care provider (PCP)? Sports physical examinations give clearance for children to participate in the sports season safely and are a crucial part of pediatrics. ... Read More
Keeping kids active indoors: Top tips from our experts
For many parents, keeping their kids active during the spring and summer months of COVID-19 involved a lot of outdoor time. But with colder temperatures on the way, you might be wondering how to survive the winter months, especially if your kids are doing most of their schooling from home. For answers we turned ... Read More
Helping athletes cope with the emotional rollercoaster of COVID-19
“The athletes I work with are over this,” says Kimberly O’Brien, a clinical social worker in the Sports Medicine Division. Last spring, when COVID-19 forced the cancellation of organized sports, coaches and athletes assumed they’d be playing again by autumn. Now it’s clear many athletes’ plans will remain on hold through the fall season, possibly ... Read More
COVID-19 and sports: Is it safe to play again?
It was hard on athletes when COVID-19 forced sports to shut down last spring, but at least everyone was in the same boat. Six months later, the picture is very different. Depending on where they live, what sport they play, and who they play with, some athletes are back in training. Others have to wait ... Read More
Sports injuries: Why ignoring pain is bad for athletes
“No guts, no glory.” “No pain, no gain.” “Rub some dirt in it.” Sports clichés like these encourage young athletes to push themselves even when their bodies tell them to stop. But sucking it up raises players’ risk of sports injuries. If he could, Dr. Mininder Kocher, chief of the Sports Medicine Division, would erase ... Read More
Five running exercises you can do at home
Unlike a lot of athletes, runners haven’t had to take time off during COVID-19. In fact, a lot of athletes have been running until they can safely return to their sports of choice. Whether you’re a new or seasoned runner, strength training is an important way to reduce your risk of injury. These five running ... Read More