Exercise is very important for children. One of the contributors to the obesity epidemic is the lack of activity. There are multiple factors that contribute to children not exercising: lack of safe parks, parents working late into the night, video games, a reduction in physical education programs in schools, just to name a few. Non-competitive sports are a great way to get kids to exercise. Swimming, biking, walking, hiking, and camping are wonderful ways to introduce children to the world of nature and develop a love for the wonderful world of God. In addition, non-competitive sports have less risk of accidents and develop a "competitive spirit" that can be a disadvantage to work well with others. Recently our family was on our first hiking adventure with our 4 and 6 year old children. We have camped with them for years, but this was our first trip to a world without toilets, showers or cell phones. I was pleasantly surprised at how well they had during this trip. They loved having the exclusive attention of dad and mom. I enjoyed being able to have conversations with them without my cell phone ringing with a signal to announce a text message or call. I had not realized how technology had intruded on time for my children until I removed it. For those parents who can not get their children out due to work or other life problems, a carefully chosen sports program can help keep your child exercising. The risk of an accident depends on the child's age, size, and level of maturity.
The highest rates of pediatric sports accidents occur with children between the ages of 10 and 14 and are more likely to happen during team sports activities. Girls are more likely to suffer from an overuse injury and are also more likely than boys to break the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee (especially in football or basketball).
The bones of children before puberty are still growing. The ends of the bones have something called "physeal plate" This is where the new bone material is made. It is more vulnerable to fractures because the bone has not calcified yet. It is important if a fracture occurs that your child gets medical attention immediately because untreated injuries to the physeal plate can destroy the growth potential of the bones, causing discrepancy in the length of the limbs. Children who have gone through puberty are less likely to have fractures and more likely to have muscle distension or sprain injuries. Sports injuries are common among infant athletes but should not deter parents from keeping their children playing. The risk of inactivity and obesity are much greater than the potential for an injury caused by sports. However, the prudence in choosing the coach, as well as a sport that best suits the needs of your child can help prevent injuries.
SOURCE: Rachel Nelson MD