As a parent of several very active children, and as a fitness professional, I have become increasingly concerned about the quantity and quality of sports participation among children.  For example, my 11 year-old son has been involved in organized sports since the age of 4.  For the last 2 years, he has been participating in several organized sports on a year round basis.  Interestingly, for the past year or so, he has developed several chronic health conditions, the most notable is Osgood-Schlatter Disease.  I'm concerned as a parent that my child may be over participating in sports for his age.  I wonder what the long-term ramifications of excessive sports participation can be!  Will some children that have been involved in sports from a very young age be more susceptible to injuries later in life, or develop a lack of desire for participation in high-school and college?  I firmly believe that youth sports have tremendous benefits to children.  But where do we set the limits.  In our small town children can participate in highly competitive sports year-round.  I suspect this is the case in other towns across the United States.  How do we go about setting limits on the number and amount of sports children participate in?  Anyone interested in communicating with me about this subject, please e-mail me.  I will publish the comments I receive in a later issue.

Scott Roberts
Health and Fitness Section Editor 
 
 

Osgood-Schlatter Disease Osgood-Schlatter disease is one of the most common causes of knee pain in young athletes.  It causes swelling, pain and tenderness just below the knee, over the shin bone.  It occurs mostly in boys who are having a growth spurt.  One or both knees may be affected.  The most common treatment is rest, ice and anti-inflamation therapy.  To learn more about Osgood-Schlatter Disease visit  familymedicine.about.com

Drug-Supplement Interaction 

At least 40% of all Americans take some type of dietary supplement. Surprisingly, not a great deal is known about these supplements by the medical
community. Many of these herbal aids can actually cause dangerous interactions when taken with prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The American Council on Science and Health offers some advice and warnings that should be reviewed before taking any herbal supplements.

Pot Use Down, Crank Use Up

The rates of marijuana smoking among American teens is decreasing but methamphetamine use is increasing says a new report posted at Partnership for a Drug-Free America  Teen pot users still outnumber teen crank users but some pot smokers are switching over to the illicit stimulant, methamphetamine.

Welcome to Nutrition for Kids, sponsored by 24 Carrot Press.  Nutrition for Kids publishes materials that take a positive, fun approach to the more serious issues that affect children today, including poor eating habits, obesity and inactivity. To find out more about our books, teaching kits or other resources, click on one
nutritionforkids.com for news, articles, tips, recipes and more

             

Nutrition Resources for the Classroom

The American Dietetic Association has a wonderful web-page full of information that can be used for classroom instruction. Check it out. 

Healthy School Meals

Do the students at you school have a comfortable place to sit and eat lunch?  Do they have enough time to eat?  Is the lunch period too early?  Too late?  Does the school teach good nutrition in the classroom?  Are healthy food choices at school?  To learn more about good nutrition in the school, check out schoolmeals
 

Featured Web Sites

NetSweat

Here's a great web-page that helps you plan your fitness program, answer fitness related questions and has some great fitness links.  Check it out.

Fitness Advisor

Also check out the Fitness Advisor.  Another great fitness resource with lots of links.

If you have ideas, comments, letters to share, or questions about a particular topics, please email one of the following Section Editors:

• Scott Roberts
• Andy Jenkins  
• Darren Dale
• Ron Hager
  

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