(RxWiki News) The growing bones, muscles and tendons of young athletes can make them more at risk for getting injured when at play. What's a kid to do?
Child athletes and families can order "Ana's Story," a free booklet in comic-book style that teaches children and teens how to avoid sports injuries.
"Warm up and stretch before exercising."
The fotonovela-style now available through The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases helps engage readers and deliver important messages, according to the National Institute of Health.
"'Ana's Story' is a must-read publication for active kids, parents and coaches…" said Stephen I. Katz, MD, PhD., director of the NIAMS.
"These family-focused publications represent our commitment to providing culturally relevant health information."
It's the second in a series of books following 'Isabel’s Story,' which focused on bone health. Both are available in English and Spanish.
The new story features Ana, a teen soccer player who sprains her knee during a game who learns the best way to treat the injury right away and avoid future possible problems.
While playing sports and being active can improve kids' coordination, self-discipline, self-esteem and fitness, young athletes can be more at risk for injuries because their bodies are developing.
About 40 percent of all sports-related injuries come from children between the ages of 5- and 14-years-old.
The booklet also offers tips on how to keep sports safe for kids and prevent injuries, including staying hydrated and warming up before working out.
Both 'Ana's Story,' which was release September 25, and 'Isabel's Story' are available on request by the NIAMS Information Clearinghouse.
