How can youth athletics influence my child's health and wellness?

There are many benefits of starting kids in sports early. Not only will sports aid in teaching responsibility, teamwork, and commitment, but involvement in youth sports may also help:

• Avoid childhood obesity
• Build motor skills
• Make new friends and improve social skills 
• Encourage a healthy lifestyle and continued physical activity as they get older

Parents and children must acknowledge the importance of proper nutrition and body-conditioning needed to prevent injuries on and off the field. The following tips can help ensure that kids don't miss a step when it comes to proper fitness, stretching, training, and rest that the body needs to engage in sporting activities.

• Follow a warm-up routine
• Wear the proper equipment
• Eat healthy meals
• Drink water
• Avoid sugar loaded, caffeinated and carbonated drinks
• Get plenty of rest