Sports can be a great way for your kids to get outside and be active with friends. Unfortunately, those benefits also come with the risk of injuries. Although you might think bruises, sprains and broken bones are what you need to be concerned about, there’s another type of ailment that isn’t as obvious. Dehydration can affect your child’s ability to perform on the field as well as his or her overall health. Kids who are dehydrated can become dizzy, nauseous, irritable and fatigued. In extreme situations, it can even lead to hospitalization.
The key to preventing this is, of course, ensuring your young athletes get plenty of water before, during and after their events. The rule of thumb for kids ages 6 to 12 is to make sure they get at least 4 ounces to drink an hour before their game, and at least four more ounces 15 minutes before the start. During the activity, you should make sure your son or daughter drinks at least 5 ounces every 20 minutes to prevent him or her from losing too much fluid. In general, plain water is better than sports drinks or other beverages unless the activity is more intense.
Getting enough to drink is crucial for keeping kids safe and healthy while they play. To learn more, check out the accompanying resource by Axio Athletic.
This infographic was created by Axio Athletic, a provider of custom slowpitch softball jerseys