The team at AFC Urgent Care Knoxville is yelling, “It’s football time again in Tennessee!” Of course, there are also a number of other sports making their way this fall, including basketball and wrestling. But, for many Vols fans (and local school fans), football is the sport on everyone’s mind (and in case you didn’t already have it printed off, here is the 2017 Vols Football Schedule). However, while we are rooting on our players, we are also all working hard to keep our athletes safe while on the field. Keep Your Athlete on the Field When you are an athlete, the last place you want to be is seated on the bench for the season due to an injury. Therefore, the following ways help ensure your young athlete is standing a chance to prevent an injury from occurring in the first place.

Sports Physical

First, a sports physical is necessary before your child can return to sports for the season. AFC Urgent Care Knoxville is open seven days a week and located at the corner or Kingston Pike and North Shore Drive to ensure you are able to come by when it is convenient for you and your athlete to undergo a sports physical. These assessments help ensure there is no area of concern for the child before he or she enters a new sports season. Plus, these yearly check-ups are great ways to ensure his or her health and growth is on the right path.

Communication

Second, communicate with your child about the importance of telling either a coach or another adult (if you are not there) about an injury that has occurred during practice or the game. Your child needs to realize that if there is some type of pain or something just doesn’t feel right, that he or she needs to seek medical attention before continuing to play. This way it can be assured that a further injury will not take place.

Warm Up

Third, make sure that your athlete is properly warming up before practice or a game. Especially if the muscles haven’t been used in a while due to the recent summer break, then stretching can help to loosen those muscles and help prepare your athlete for play. Talk to the coach about his or her protocol for having a stretch session before each game or practice—both before and after physical activity.

TLC

Finally, rest, hydration, and eating a well-balanced diet are highly encouraged—but not just during sports season, but for life in general. An athlete’s body needs to be fueled properly. Therefore, a diet of lean protein, fruits, and vegetables is essential in his or her diet. Also keep in mind that because your athlete is sweating more than usual, and September in Tennessee can still reach high temperatures, he or she needs to be replacing the water lost with adequate water breaks and rest breaks throughout the day. Remember, if your athlete is hurt on the field, we are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. M-F and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and we always have a certified and knowledgeable physician on-site to care for your athlete. If your athlete is suffering from consistent pain after an injury or the swelling doesn’t get any better after a few days, visit AFC Urgent Care Knoxville so that we can help your athlete get back on the field as soon as possible.