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Health & Fitness

Summer is here! : Keep your child safe, a physical therapist's perspective Jennifer Nicodemo-Capra, M.A., P.T. Lighthouse Physical Therapy, P.C.

With the beautiful summer weather, kids and parents are having fun, getting active, and spending  more time outdoors.    Unfortunately, physical therapists tend to see an increase in some specific injuries in kids and adults.  So this summer, parents, please be aware of some potential safety concerns.  

 

 

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Ride-on toys

During the warmer months, more and more kids are riding their bikes, skateboards and scooters.   So please remember wrist splints, knee guards and a helmet.    Tell kids to stay on flatter ground, away from gravel, and make sure they avoid sudden sharp turns.  Remember always, if playing with your toddler on a moving toy, make sure to avoid pulling them up with their arm above their head.   This can lead to dislocations at their shoulder or elbow joint.   

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Trampolines

Physical therapists use trampolines in their practices.  Small ones!   The large backyard trampolines are a leading cause of injuries.    Why?  Because most parents allow more than one child on it at a time.   Children can be easily thrown off balance or collide with another child.    Supervision is key, even with older kids.     I have taken care of kids and adults that have sustained serious fractures, neck injuries and I have even seen children lose consciousness on these things.    Just because there is a wall of netting around it, doesn’t make it 100% safe.  

 

Pools

Physical therapists tell their kids: NO head-first diving in any pool where you are uncertain of the depth.     Most built in pools, even ones with a very “deep end” still have a tapering off area where the pool depth becomes shallow.    Head first diving is risky.   The potential for neck injuries and spinal cord injuries to too high.  Make sure your kids know how to perform a surface dive, or better yet, tell them FEET FIRST.   Don’t allow them to jump off of roofs or other make-shift elevated surfaces.    Kids slip, especially when wet.    Objects that aren’t bolted in can slip from under them.

 

Shoe wear

Parents and kids, be careful of flip flops, open back shoes.    Kids will have trouble running and can stub or break a toe, or an ankle.   Adults beware: prolonged wear of open back shoes can aggravate or cause back pain and knee pain.   

 

Golf/tennis

Adults, make sure you properly warm up and develop your strength before playing a full game of tennis or golf after a long off season.     Repetitive swinging can produce small tears in the tendons around your elbow.   Consult your therapist or physician if you develop pain in this area.   You may need prescription level anti-inflammatories and exercises and stretches for your forearm muscles. 

 

Softball/baseball

Playing ball is a favorite summertime pastime, but remember you may have taken a few months off.    Go easy when getting back to ball.  Make sure you stretch, jog, try on your gear, and hydrate.     Kids’ sport summer camps are terrific, but make sure your child isn’t overusing their throwing arm.    Check all their gear for proper fit.   Baseball players may benefit from a protective shirt that has cushioning at the chest.   This disperses the force of a hardball so that your child doesn’t bruise the sternum (breastbone) or worse.

 

These tips aren’t meant to scare you, just to make you think and increase your awareness.   Summer is a great time for physical activity, family bonding and fun!  Enjoy the summer, but be careful!!   If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Lighthouse Physical Therapy, P.C. at 631.440.7678.


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