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Professional baseball spring training is winding down, but high school and youth spring training is just beginning.
Dr. Joseph Congeni of Children's Hospital in Akron, OH has warnings for young athletes and their parents as they prepare for summer sports.
Dr. Congeni says sports injuries are very common among the young this time of year. He says kids should have a physical before they start training for league play. It can detect heart defects or other problems that can lead to death, or muscular and skeletal weaknesses.
Congeni says parents must help kids select sports that are best suited to their physical abilities. A strengthening and conditioning program should be started at least 6 weeks before spring training, especially for track and soccer players.
Young baseball players should not over extend themselves. Pitchers should be on a pitch count so as not to cause damage to the arm. Dr. Congeni says throwing injuries are the most common, because too many players think it is normal to pitch while in pain.
Congeni advises seeking medical attention if there is persistent swelling after play or if there is pain before, during, and long after a game.
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