16 minute read
SPORTS
Whether they are in elementary, high school or college, children and teenagers are always susceptible to getting hurt, so much so that injury designations are split by season in many hospitals.
Amanda Abramczyk-Thill, the injury prevention education outreach coordinator at Children’s Hospital Colorado, said children and teens are always active and injuries come with the territory.
From bumps and bruises from a simple bicycle crash to the more serious injuries related to a head bump – Abramczyk-Thill said parents should be constantly in tune with how their children are feeling and acting.
Fall injuries
In the fall, Abramczyk-Thill said it’s the start of the new school year and sports programs are getting back on track. Kids are playing at recess and the weather is still good enough for bike, scooter and evening activities.
“In the fall, (hospitals/doctors) see an uptick in a variety of falls,” she said. “More kids are playing on the playgrounds at recess and sports gets going.”
When it comes to elementary-school children, Abramczyk-Thill said the falls on the playground are not usually due to the equipment itself. Instead, it usually comes down to how it is being used.
“You have cases where a child may be using equipment that is not quite for their age or size,” she said. “Or, you have cases where the children are using the equipment improperly and that leads to injury.”
With playground equipment, besides the traditional scrapes and bruises, Abramczyk-Thill said hospitals see more arm and leg injuries.
In sports, Abramczyk-Thill said there are a variety of injuries from everything from football and cheerleading to soccer. In recent years, hockey has also grown in popularity.
In sports, Abramczyk-Thill said it might be surprising to learn that besides concussions, a common injury doctors see is to the eye.
Abramczyk-Thill said in any sport, parents might consider getting protective eye gear for athletes in all sports. This should become as common as the helmet and mouth guards, she added.
Learn the signs
Because concussions receive the most media attention and are one of the injuries coaches and parents are more vigilant about, it is important to understand the signs and symptoms, especially the subtle ones no one expects.
“There are some common myths out there,” she said. “One of those being that they will show symptoms right away. Signs and symptoms can be delayed.”
Because of the variety of symptoms someone with a concussion might show, Abramczyk-Thill said it is important to know the child well and be weary of any sudden changes in the following: • Mood – Are they more irritable and irrational? • Are they sad or depressed suddenly? • Are they complaining of headaches? • Are they getting confused easily and showing cognitive issues?
Abramczyk-Thill said all of these signs can come over days, not immediately after a head injury.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, other symptoms of a concussion include: • Inability to recall events prior to or after a hit or fall • Appears dazed and stunned • Moves clumsily • Answers questions slowly • Loses consciousness • Nausea or vomiting • Bothered by light or noise
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Winter injuries
Abramczyk-Thill said concussions are a common theme throughout the year, and doctors see a lot during the winter months.
While they see some sports injuries with falls and hits for indoor sports such as basketball and wrestling, the bulk of injuries can come form outside play.
Abramczyk-Thill said a statistic that may surprise parents is the head injuries associated with sledding. Whether it’s a small hill in the neighborhood or a day trip to the mountains, she said sleds move at a quick speed and crashes often cause head injuries.
Because of how hard a person can hit the ground in a crash, Abramczyk-Thill recommends requiring children to wear helmets while sledding. It has become more common in riding bikes, scooters and other equipment, and AbramczykThill said sledding should be added to the list.
“A lot of us grew up without wearing a helmet and, especially for something like sledding, we may not even think about it,” Abramczyk-Thill said. “It’s just important to protect your brain because you only have one.”
Arm, leg and head injuries are often associated with the ice. Abramczyk-Thill said whether it is a child, teenager or adult, during the winter ice causes a wide variety of injuries.
Abramczyk-Thill said it is important to clear driveways, sidewalks and areas where children are most active during the winter. It is also important to teach safety to children when ice is present, meaning not walking and playing on it.
Spring and summer
In school, spring sports brings baseball, track and fi eld and softball, which comes with more head injuries, especially when an athlete is hit by a line drive.
The warmer months also bring more outdoor activities, including riding ATVs, Abramczyk-Thill said.
Abramczyk-Thill said a variety of ages ride ATVs and there are usually lax rules with wearing helmets and rules for passengers.
Seeing ATV injuries from a passenger falling without a helmet is common, Abramczyk-Thill.
Year-round injuries
In what is a year-round struggle for doctors, Abramczyk-Thill said hospitals often see children who were in the wrong car seat or not in one at all.
Abramczyk-Thill said which seat a child is sitting in should never about their age. It should always be about their size.
Abramczyk-Thill explained that if a child is not big enough to be sitting in a seat with just a seatbelt, their knees do not quite reach properly over the edge of the seat. In the event of a crash, their bodies tend to slip under the seatbelt restraints and serious injuries can happen.
The CDC reported that when it comes to car crashes, a large number of child deaths and injuries are due to improper restraints. In 2019, more than 600 children 12 and younger died in motor vehicle crashes, and more than 91,000 were injured. Of the children 12 and younger who died in a crash (for whom restraint use was known), 38% were not buckled up. Parents and caregivers can make a lifesaving difference by checking whether their children are properly buckled on every trip.
CDC recommendations include:
• Rear-facing seats from birth until ages 2 to 4, depending on weight and state law. • Forward-facing car seat is not to be used for children until age 5, depending on weight and state law. • Booster seat should be used once a child outgrows a forward-facing car seat and kept until a child fi ts safely on a seat with knees over the edge.
How to find the right doctor
FAMILY FEATURES
Whether you’re rarely sick or have conditions that require frequent visits to the doctor, having a trusted and skilled health care provider is an important step in protecting your health.
Any number of reasons can result in needing to fi nd a new doctor, such as moving to a new community, changes to your insurance, your old doctor retiring or needing a specialist.
These suggestions from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can help you be more effi cient and thorough as you look for a doctor who is right for you.
Ask for Recommendations
Talk to people you know about whether they have a provider they like. If you’re looking for a new provider because of a move or retirement, ask your current doctor for a recommendation. If you need to make a change with your primary care doctor but see specialists or other medical professionals you like and trust, you can also request referrals from them.
Check with Your Insurance Company
If you have health insurance, you may need to choose from a list of doctors in your plan’s network. Some insurance plans may let you choose a doctor outside your network if you pay more of the cost.
To fi nd a doctor who takes your insurance, call your insurance company and ask for a list of doctors near you who are in-network or use the insurance company’s website to search for a doctor. It’s also a good idea to call the doctor’s offi ce and ask for confi rmation they take your plan. You should have your insurance, Medicare or Medicaid card handy in case the offi ce needs your plan details.
Narrow Your Options
Some of the providers you consider may not be viable options for simple reasons, like their practice isn’t currently taking new patients or they don’t have offi ce hours matching your schedule. You can also consider questions such as hospital affi liations and whether other providers can help if you need emergency care and your doctor isn’t available.
Take a Deeper Look
Online research can tell you a great deal about potential doctors, from biographical information and credentials to ratings by former patients.
When searching for a new provider, another important area to consider is fi nancial relationships. One resource patients can consider is Open Payments, a national disclosure program within CMS that provides visibility into fi nancial relationships between drug and medical device companies and physicians, and teaching hospitals. The government requires pharmaceutical companies, device manufacturers and group purchasing organizations to report funds they give health care providers in the form of meals, entertainment, travel, gifts, consulting fees, research payments and more, promoting transparency and helping uncover potential confl icts of interest.
It’s important to know most health care providers receive payments. Just because fi nancial ties are reported does not mean anyone has done anything wrong. However, patients can use the information to talk with their provider about why they recommend certain medications or treatments, including asking about generic options, which are equally as effective as name brands but typically less expensive. It’s also an opportunity to start a discussion with a provider about areas of professional interest and expertise based on research or consulting.
Listen to Your Gut
If you’re undecided, request an introductory appointment with a provider you’re considering. Look for a clinic where you are treated with respect and the medical team listens to your opinions and concerns. You should feel comfortable asking questions, and the doctor needs to be able to explain things in ways you understand.
Find more resources for your health care needs at cms.gov.
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If you’re like many Americans who put a priority on well-being, choosing simple yet healthy snacks and ingredients is an easy fi rst step. For example, grapes are a popular and convenient fruit that can also be an ally in wellness, offering an abundance of health benefi ts that can help you get (and stay) on the right track.
The next time you enjoy an outdoor adventure, pack along a healthy snack such as California grapes. They can go with you on hikes and bike rides or to the gym as a healthy and hydrating source of energy. Heart-healthy grapes also deliver benefi cial antioxidants and other polyphenols and are a good source of vitamin K, which supports bone and heart health. With no need to peel, cut, core or slice, grapes are perfectly portable when you’re on the go.
As an easy, versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of recipes, grapes offer delicious taste, texture and color – plus a healthy boost – that make them an appealing addition to snacks and meals. An added bonus: Grapes help support heart, brain, colon and skin health.
Crunchy Salad Pizza on Caulifl ower Crust is a simple way to get your fruits and veggies in a fun, tasty recipe. When it’s time for a fi lling yet nutritional dinner, Warm-Spiced Chickpeas and Couscous with Grapes and Arugula makes for an ideal vegetarian meal. Plus, this easy-to-make dish includes 8 grams of fi ber to help support colon health.
Grapes and seafood are a classic combination, and this Roasted Salmon and Grapes with Pistachios Over Fresh Greens is no exception. A perfect dish for family dinners or inviting guests for a meal, it offers antioxidants and other polyphenols from grapes along with healthy omega-3 fats from fi sh.
Whatever your path to health, eating well and encouraging healthy habits can be deliciously easy with the benefi ts of grapes. Find more health benefi ts and good-for-you recipe ideas at GrapesFromCalifornia. com.
Grapes and Your Skin
While naturally hydrating and delivering benefi cial antioxidants and other polyphenols, grapes also offer more: they may help support healthy skin even when exposed to UV light. In a study conducted by the University of Alabama, subjects consuming 2 1/4 cups of grapes every day for two weeks showed increased resistance to sunburn and reduced markers of UV damage in skin cells.
Crunchy Salad Pizza on Caulifl ower Crust
PREP TIME: 20 minutes COOK TIME: 10 minutes SERVINGS: 4 1 frozen caulifl ower pizza crust (11 ounces) 1 tablespoon, plus 4 teaspoons, extra-virgin olive oil, divided 2 medium carrots, peeled and trimmed 1 medium fennel bulb, quartered and trimmed 1 medium yellow bell pepper, halved and trimmed 1/2 medium red onion 16 black California grapes, halved 1 cup canned or cooked chickpeas, drained and
rinsed, divided 2 tablespoons fi nely chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons pesto salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 ounce fresh goat cheese, crumbled Heat oven to 400 F. Place frozen crust on large, parchment-lined baking sheet and brush top lightly with 2 teaspoons olive oil. Bake until crust is lightly golden, about 10 minutes.
Transfer to cutting board and cut into quarters. Using mandolin, peeler or large, sharp knife and cutting board, thinly slice carrots, fennel, bell
pepper and onion. Transfer to mixing bowl and add grapes and 1/2 cup chickpeas. Add parsley, pesto and 1 tablespoon olive oil; toss well. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Using fork, coarsely mash remaining chickpeas and remaining oil; spread among pieces of crust. Mound grape-vegetable mixture on top.
Dot with goat cheese and serve. Nutritional information per serving: 490 calories; 9 g protein; 66 g carbohydrates; 22 g fat (40% calories from fat); 4 g saturated fat (7% calories from saturated fat); 30 mg cholesterol; 380 mg sodium; 4 g fi ber.
PREP TIME: 15 minutes COOK TIME: 7-8 minutes SERVINGS: 4 4 wild sockeye or coho salmon fi llets (about 5 ounces each) 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1/3 cup dry white wine 1 cup green California grapes 1/4 cup shelled, unsalted pistachios, coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons fi nely chopped Italian parsley 5 ounces baby spinach 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar Heat oven to 400 F. Lightly oil shallow, 9-by-13inch baking dish. Pat fi sh dry and place skin side down in pan.
Brush fi llets lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.
Pour wine in pan, scatter grapes around and sprinkle pistachios and parsley on fi sh. Roast salmon 7 minutes for medium-rare; 8 minutes for medium. In large bowl, toss spinach, onion, remaining oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper, to taste; toss again and divide among four plates. Place fi sh on top of greens. Spoon roasted grapes around fi sh. Nutritional information per serving: 360 calories; 31 g protein; 12 g carbohydrates; 19 g fat (48% calories from fat); 3 g saturated fat (8% calories from saturated fat); 65 mg cholesterol; 105 mg sodium; 2 g fi ber.
PREP TIME: 10 minutes COOK TIME: 20 minutes SERVINGS: 4 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 small onion, chopped 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice 1 cup Israeli pearl couscous 3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 1/2 cups water 1 can (15 ounces) no-salt-added chickpeas, drained 1 cup red California grapes, halved 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley freshly ground black pepper, to taste 4 cups lightly packed baby arugula lemon wedges In large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt and allspice; cook, stirring, until onion is softened, about 3 minutes. Add couscous and stir 1 minute to toast lightly. Add
turmeric and water; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until couscous is tender, about 15 minutes. Stir chickpeas, grapes and cilantro into couscous then season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer couscous-grape mixture to large bowl, add arugula and toss well. Serve warm or at room temperature with lemon wedges. Nutritional information per serving: 370 calories; 12 g protein; 61 g carbohydrates; 9 g fat (17% calories from fat); 1 g saturated fat (2% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 160 mg sodium; 8 g fi ber.
