Playing sports and enjoying recreational activities is a normal part of being a kid, but unfortunately, with these activities, injuries can and do occur. One way to help reduce injury risk? Make sure your athlete is wearing the right protective gear for their activity. Here’s how your child can keep their face and head protected this sports season!
Helmets
Designed to prevent skull fractures (not concussions) and worn for football, softball, baseball, hockey, and men’s lacrosse. Pro tip: Look for a helmet with the ‘Meets NOCSAE Standard’ label to ensure it meets performance and protection standards.
Sports Goggles
According to The Vision Council, more than 600,000 eye injuries related to sports occur each year. Eye gear should be worn for any sport that has flying objects (balls, sticks, rackets) or involves close contact with other players (like basketball) to prevent risk of eye injury.
Throat Guards
Throat guards are worn by hockey & lacrosse goalies and baseball & softball catchers, but aren’t required for field players. Injuries to the structures of the throat can be severe or life-threatening, so consider adding this to your child’s uniform.
Mouthguards
Mouthguards can prevent more than 200,000 oral injuries a year! They’re designed to cushion a blow to the face, minimizing risk of broken or knocked out teeth, or other injuries. They also help reduce the risk and severity of a concussion. Mouthguards should be worn in all sports that pose dangers to the mouth and teeth.
If your child is in need of a custom mouthguard, make an appointment at AMPD’s Mouthguard Center of Long Island! We will fit your child with a mouthguard specific to their mouth and they can choose their colors to coincide with their school, intramural, or PAL league’s uniform. Contact us today for more information!