Being a soccer mom means driving kids back and forth between practices and games. It also means making sure that your children don’t become sick due to the intense summer sun and hot temperatures. Here are some specific situations moms should look out for if their children play sports in the summer.
Injuries
Summer soccer means watching out for health issues related to the heat, but it doesn’t mean moms can take a break from looking out for regular injuries. Children may not warm up as long or as effectively in the summer because the heat deceives them into thinking their muscles are already warmed up. Studies show that a proper warm-up can reduce injuries by half in soccer players, so mom needs to make sure her child is doing this every time he plays or practices. If a child complains about pain in muscles or joints, make sure an injury hasn’t occurred and seek treatment if it has.
Dehydration
By the time your child is thirsty, they are probably already headed toward dehydration. This is especially true for kids who play sports in the summer because they are constantly sweating. If they don’t replace the liquids they are losing, they will dehydrate. It happens quickly and often without anyone noticing the early signs.
A child with no energy, cracked lips, and either very little urine or urine that is dark in color is likely dehydrated. Avoid getting to this point by requiring your child to consume a certain amount of liquids while out playing sports. In fact, start early and make sure they are well hydrated before they hit the field. If left untreated, dehydration leads to other complications that are far more unpleasant and are much more life-threatening than the initial problem.
Heat Stroke
It’s important never to let a child get to the point of a heat stroke. Heat exhaustion comes first. Symptoms include nausea, headache, and an increased need for hydration. The difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke is that during heat exhaustion, a child’s body temperature is still under 105 degrees. When it rises 1 degree and hits 105 degrees Fahrenheit, heat stroke becomes the diagnosis.
Heat strokes are dangerous and can cause seizures. They can also lead to a child passing out. To avoid getting to this point, look for signs of heat exhaustion, and stop a heat stroke before it starts. Don’t let kids play soccer in weather that is too hot for their bodies to handle, and make sure they take frequent breaks and stay hydrated when they are on the field. Seek emergency care immediately if you suspect your child has suffered from a heat stroke.
Being aware of the most common health conditions that plague soccer players in summer is essential for every soccer mom. You’ll want to make sure that your child is healthy and safe while enjoying this summer activity. Looking out for signs and symptoms and proactively taking steps to avoid problems can save a child from ongoing health troubles.
If you’d like your child to participate in any tournaments or other soccer events this summer, check out our event list and register today!
