(Newswire.net — June 20, 2014) Franklin, Tennessee — It’s June, which means its time for All-Star and travel baseball season! Baseball is America’s favorite pastime, but with sliding and dodging can come injury. It’s important to get yourself or your little slugger as prepared as possible. Lewis First, M.D., chief of Pediatrics at Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, tells concerned parents, patrons and players “Don’t Strike Out When It Comes to Baseball Safety.”
“Emergency rooms see more than 100,000 baseball and softball injuries to kids under the age of 15 each year,” said First. “Many of these are to the ankle and knee, though eye injuries are also common.”
No one wants his or her player to become a little league injury statistic. Dr. First tells us how we can be prepared.
“Make sure your child has all the required safety gear every time he or she plays or practices. This means a helmet and face guard, as well as mouth guard for batting or running the bases, said First. “If your child is a catcher, they will also need a face mask, chest and throat protector, and shin guards. All guys should wear a cup or athletic supporter. Children who wear glasses should wear protective lenses as well.”
We, at Americas Athletic, could not agree more with Dr. First. We sell safety gear as well as jerseys and baseball pants at americasathletic.com, and you can call our customer service for expert information on protective equipment. This time of year you can catch more than fly balls, you can also steal some amazing deals!
Besides properly fitted uniforms and protective gear, First provides these safety tips on his piece “Don’t Strike Out When It Comes to Baseball Safety”.
Dr. First’s Safety Tips
- • Stretch before every game.
- • Remove debris and rocks and fill holes on the field before every game.
- • Adhere to the maximum number of pitches that can be thrown each week.
- • Breakaway bases that detach when someone slides into them should be used to prevent many ankle and knee injuries.
- • Sliding should not occur headfirst.
- • All players on or off the field should be paying attention to what is happening at all times to avoid being hit by a fair or foul ball.
- • Wear sunscreen when out on the field.
- • Coaches should put the emphasis on fun and fundamentals rather than winning at all costs.
Dr. First makes some excellent safety tips here. Remember to play safe, stay hydrated, buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks and consult the experts at americasathletic.com for more information on uniforms and safety gear.