Injury Prevention

July is Fireworks Eye Safety Awareness Month, and through its EyeSmart^TM campaign the American Academy of Ophthalmology wants to remind consumers to leave fireworks to professionals.

Strength training during childhood and adolescence can improve strength by 30-50 percent, increase bone density,  and self-esteem and reduced risk of coronary heart disease, childhood obesity, says a new study.

Studies show that a new way of stretching (dynamic stretching) increases power, flexibility and range of motion, and may reduce injuries while the kind of stretching routine most of us have been doing since we were in grade school (holding a stretch for 20 or 30 seconds, supposedly to prepare muscles for exercise, or static stretching) not only fails to do what it is supposed to do but may actually weaken muscles and hurt athletic performance.

A new survey reveals parents do not take advantage of some inexpensive protective sports gear, such as mouth guards, in many kids' sports. Since many oral sports injuries can be prevented by wearing mouth guards, why aren't more parents and kids getting the message?

Sports injury prevention tips from American Academy of Pediatrics

Hockey, ice skating, sledding, skiing, snowboarding and other cold-weather activities are a great way to get some fresh air and exercise during those long chilly months. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has some helpful hints to help prevent winter sports injuries.