MORE IMPORTANT THAN WINNING
Youth sports are one of the most important activities kids can participate in. Sports encourage physical fitness and foster teamwork, work ethic, and resilience. Kids who play sports experience a kind of personal growth their peers who don’t participate in sports miss out on. But youth sports can also be dangerous if winning is prioritized over a young athlete’s well-being.
a concussion. Even if your child is playing a sport that doesn’t require a mouthguard, like soccer, encourage them to wear one.
Even the best equipment won’t protect against all concussions, so it’s important that the adults involved are aware of the risks and ready to act appropriately. Most youth concussions go untreated. If a young athlete appears to be suffering from a concussion during practice or a game, their coach should be prepared to pull them out so they can get the medical care they need. Likewise, parents need to be aware of the pressure they are putting on their children. It’s important to encourage a drive to succeed, but that drive shouldn’t come at the cost of ignoring warning signs and jeopardizing personal well-being. Make sure athletes know they will not be judged for coming forward if they are worried that they may be experiencing a concussion after a hard hit, even if that means they have to sit out the rest of the big game.
The Biggest Mistake in Youth Sports
School-sanctioned sports are the biggest cause of concussions in kids
and teenagers. The Brain Trauma Foundation estimates 3.8 million athletes suffer from a concussion every year, and most go untreated. Far more than just a “bump on the head,” concussions are traumatic brain injuries, and they can negatively impact a young person’s ability to focus, alter their personality, and potentially lead to long-term brain damage. The sports with the highest risk for concussions are football, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and field hockey. Concussions are a risk in high-contact sports, but there are ways to reduce this risk. Make sure your athlete wears properly fitted equipment, including helmets, shoulder pads, and a mouthguard. Mouthguards, which do more than protect the teeth, take pressure off the jaw and are incredibly important in reducing the impact of
There are risks in youth sports, but when proper care is employed, the risk can be minimized and the rewards can be great.
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VALENTINE’S DAY COOKIE CARDS
Ingredients • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour • 3/4 cup sugar • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 2 sticks unsalted butter, cold and cut into
• 1/2-inch cubes • 2 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract • Royal icing, sprinkles, and edible markers, for decorating
Directions 1. Heat oven to 375 F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour with sugar and salt. Add butter and combine using a mixer at low speed, until butter breaks down into small, crumbly pieces. Increase mixing speed to medium and mix until butter and flour clump. 3. Add egg yolks and vanilla extract to bowl, return mixer to low, and mix until dough congeals. 4. Carefully roll dough into a sheet 1/16-inch thick and cut into 4x6-inch cards. 5. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, bake cookie cards for 6 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. 6. Let cookies cool completely, decorate, and distribute. Inspired by Food & Wine magazine.
AQUARIUS CHOCOLATE FEBRUARY LEAP ROSES YEAR
ARROW CUPID FLOWERS LOVE SWEET CANDY
DATE HEART PISCES VALENTINE
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