The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons gave athletes one piece of good advice: Play ball! Just do it safely. The 2007 statistics show that more than 203,000 US children from the age bracket of 5 to 14 had baseball-related injuries. These injuries were treated in hospital emergency departments, doctor’s offices, and other medical settings, says the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Dr. Donald J. Zoltan, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and the spokesman for the academy, said that the “little league has become a very popular sport among children today. Coaches and parents need to remember that a child’s bones, muscles, ligements and tendons are still growing, making them more susceptible to injury especially from overuse.”

Related Little League injuries include throwing too many pitches. These injuries are very common and they are often known as the “Little League elbow.” But these injuries can still be prevented and kids and can still play baseball and other sports. The academy has suggested a list of guidelines that youngsters can follow. First is to keep in good physical condition and don’t play while in pain or feeling tired. It is also important to pay close attention to following the game’s rules and regulations. It would also help if children are using protective gears including batting helmets, athletic supporters, shoes with plastic cleats. Meanwhile, catchers need catchers’ mitts, chest guards, face guards, and knee and shin pads. Athletes must also keep in mind that the equipment fits properly. Warming up muscles before playing can also avoid injuries. Do several minutes of light exercises followed by slow, gentle stretches, and hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds. And lastly, children must stay away from steroids and other performance-enhancing substances.

It can be noted that steroid controversies and big athletes testing positive for banned substances have stirred the world of sports. Steroid use is not only rampant in professional sports but also among student-athletes. The number has even doubled among high school students using steroids according to the report submitted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 6 percent or as many as 1 million US students are said to have taken for at least one steroid cycle, meaning 8-12 weeks of use. But along with the pumped-up muscles and optimum energy level, anabolic steroids can damage heart and liver, prevent bone development, and can cause extreme mood swings. Acne and weight gain are also some of the effects of steroid use, experts say.

The academy also urged parents and coaches to learn recognize the symptoms that are signs of steroid use. The academy also stresses that youth sports are supposed to be fun. While many team members, coaches and parents fall into prey of wanting to win “at all costs,” this attitude can later on lead to injuries. Parents and coaches should protect young athletes by teaching them not to ignore the signs of injuring and preventing them from steroid use. This way, students won’t have to suffer any injuries and not to play in pain.

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