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Does My Young Athlete Get Enough Calcium?

Does My Young Athlete Get Enough Calcium?

by | Feb 21, 2025 | Sports Medicine

For young athletes, calcium is an important micronutrient essential for bone health, injury prevention and optimal performance. The benefits of physical activity far outweigh any risks, but it’s important to know that high volume or intensity in sports can place added stress on a growing athlete’s bones. Maintaining proper nutrition can help prevent bone stress injuries and promote strong bone development.

Sports medicine physician Jane S. Chung, M.D., understands that a child’s pre-teen and teenage years are a critical time period for building a strong foundation for their bones. “I see many young athletes, especially girls, who have a history of overuse-related bone stress injuries,” Dr. Chung says. “These injuries include stress fractures, often related to underfueling. A way to avoid this is by making sure young athletes receive the recommended amount of daily calcium.”

Read the following from Dr. Chung about incorporating calcium into a regular diet, as well as advice on when to consider supplements.

Daily Calcium Guide for Strong Bones

There are many ways for young athletes to meet their daily calcium needs, with food being the best source. If necessary, taking supplements can help them reach this goal. Adding a vitamin D supplement or consuming vitamin D-rich foods and beverages helps the body’s ability to absorb calcium.

Some medical conditions may require a different approach, but below is a guide for incorporating calcium in the diet of a child between the ages of 9 and 18 years old.

Calcium in Food

Aim to eat or drink 4 to 5 servings of calcium-containing foods a day, which could include:

  • Milk
  • Yogurt
  • Cheese
  • Calcium and vitamin D, such as fortified orange juice
  • Almond milk
  • Cottage cheese
  • Calcium fortified cereals, granola bars and tofu
  • Vegetables, such as bok choy, kale, arugula, watercress, collard greens, broccoli and kidney beans
  • Nuts, particularly almonds, sesame and chia seeds

Calcium in Supplement Form

Supplements can be found in tablet, chewable, gummy forms, among others. It is important to find the one that works best for your young athlete.  To meet your daily calcium intake, young athletes can take 1300 mg of calcium from a daily supplement. It is best to have no more than 500 to 600 mg at a time for optimal absorption.

Calcium with Food and Supplement

Aim for half food and half supplement

  • Around 500 to 600 mg calcium with supplement
  • Around 800 mg calcium with food. Here are some examples:
  • One 5-ounce yogurt at breakfast (250 mg calcium)
  • Two slices of cheese on a sandwich (300 mg calcium)
  • ¼ cup almonds (about 23 almonds) in a snack (75 mg calcium)
  • Two cups fresh kale in a salad (180 mg)

These are general recommendations. If you have concerns about calcium intake for your young athletes, please speak with your physician, a sports medicine physician or a registered dietitian.

Call 469-515-7100 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chung or another sports medicine physician.

Get to Know Our Staff: Jerilynn Putnam, Chaplaincy Services

Get to Know Our Staff: Jerilynn Putnam, Chaplaincy Services

by | Feb 19, 2025 | Spotlight

What led you to Scottish Rite?
My passion for humanity, education and ministry led me to Scottish Rite for Children. When I was a resident, I was able to share my pediatric chaplaincy experience with Scottish Rite patients, families and staff. I’m excited and humbled that my residency brought me back to Scottish Rite as the first ever full-time staff chaplain.

Tell us a little bit more about your role.
In my role, I aim to be a calm, hospitable presence for Scottish Rite. I’m here to offer care and support to everyone who enters our doors. I focus on providing direct care to patients receiving day surgery or in the Inpatient Unit. I attend weekly clinical huddles, collaborate with non-clinical services and provide religious resources. Throughout the year, I also offer liturgical reflections, godly play, spiritual play and religious services in Scottish Rite’s chapel for patients, families and staff.

What do you want staff to know about chaplains?
Professional chaplains have extensive educational and clinical training in world religions, theology, spirituality, inclusion and diversity, ethics and family systems. They are here to provide emotional and spiritual support to everyone in the hospital.

When a situation requires for it, they also provide pastoral care, ethical consultation, religious or non-religious support, hospitality, grief or bereavement support, conflict mediation, patient advocacy and customer service, among others.

What made you choose a career in health care?
My personal experience with grief, along with my own medical emergencies and surgeries, led me to a career in health care. As a hospital chaplain, my compassion, love for others and selfless service encourages me to genuinely work with others through the difficult and joyous transitions of life, illness, recovery, grief or death.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
I have the unique opportunity to learn people’s stories. By utilizing creative tools in my role, I invite others to discover meaning and purpose during their hospitalization and/or daily work.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love to spend time outdoors and read books. I also love to bake and cook for my family.

Do you have any hidden talents?
Car dancing!

Where are you from and what brought you to DFW?
I am a homegrown Dallas girl!

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go to New Zealand to soak in as many mountain hikes and water adventures as possible before relaxing at a few wineries.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Because of my love of rice and vegetables, I would eat sushi and stir fry for the rest of my life.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“Life Is Beautiful.”

What was the first concert you attended?
I went to B-52’s concert.

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
My favorite DFW gem is not hidden, but it’s the view of the Dallas skyline from any perspective.

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
Drew Barrymore.

What is some advice you would give your younger self OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Make the best of each day and celebrate often!

Get to Know Our Staff: Carissa Stoddard, Physical Therapy

Get to Know Our Staff: Carissa Stoddard, Physical Therapy

by | Feb 13, 2025 | Spotlight, Therapy Services

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am a physical therapist (PT), and I primarily help with Scottish Rite’s intensive PT program and other inpatient PT needs.

 

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is witnessing the joy on children’s and families’ faces as they achieve their mobility goals. It’s truly remarkable to see a child discover their ability to move and explore independently.

 

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
I have always dreamed of working at Scottish Rite. What makes Scottish Rite unique is the collaborative care we provide to every patient, and I am honored to be part of the team.

 

What made you choose a career in health care?
I wanted a job that was not only enjoyable and fulfilling but also revolved around personable interactions. With an engineering and athletic background, physical therapy was a natural transition for me.

 

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
I love that I get to see patients and families at all stages in their care journey, from before surgery, immediately after surgery, during rehab and at follow-up appointments. I really enjoy seeing how far the children progress through every phase of their journeys.

 

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I enjoy trying new restaurants in Dallas and traveling.

 

Do you have any hidden talents?
I can bake pretty well.

 

Where are you from and what brought you to D-FW?
Although I moved all over the state growing up, I spent most of my childhood in D-FW. I returned to Dallas for graduate school and never left.

 

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would travel to Spain or Africa. I’ve always wanted to go for an extended trip but haven’t been able to yet.

 

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chips and salsa.

 

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“White Christmas,” because it’s a classic.

 

What was the first concert you attended?
Although admitting this may age me a little, the first real concert I attended was Creed and Sevendust when they were really popular.

 

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
Lounge Here.

 

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
Jennifer Lawrence or Reese Witherspoon (because I’ve been compared to her before).

 

What is some advice you would give your younger self OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Take the scenic route, pause to enjoy the view and learn from the process.

Protecting Young Athletes’ Hearts For a Stronger Game

Protecting Young Athletes’ Hearts For a Stronger Game

by | Feb 13, 2025 | Sports Medicine

As a nation, we celebrate our loved ones and cardiac health in February. Sports medicine physicians and athletic trainers are especially passionate about the heart health of young athletes. Shane M. Miller M.D., FAAP, sports medicine physician and the Section Director of Medical Sports Medicine at Scottish Rite for Children, shares key insights to keep young athletes in top shape.

“A well-rounded view of an athlete’s heart health and safety includes parents, administrators and coaches being aware of the signs and symptoms of cardiac emergencies,” says Dr. Miller. “Being prepared with a clear plan can significantly reduce the risk of catastrophic events.”

To protect a young athlete’s heart health, Dr. Miller shares key steps for families to create a plan.

REPORT signs, symptoms and any history of cardiac problems in young athletes at each preparticipation evaluation and when new problems develop. Some examples are chest pain, shortness of breath and passing out.

ASK your family members about a history of cardiac problems or sudden death in the family. Knowing your family’s medical history is a critical step to prevent sudden cardiac death in healthy young athletes.

PREPARE by learning the emergency plan for schools and sports venues. Know where to find the closest AED (automatic external defibrillator) and be sure it is accessible to all event participants, every time.

Dr. Miller advises parents to take athletes to their pediatrician for preparticipation evaluations. Although some schools and organizations do not require a release, seasonal checkups and discussions with the doctor can help to prevent many problems and address injuries before they become more serious. One in 300 youth has an undetected heart condition, and up to 72% percent of youth sudden cardiac arrest victims had at least one warning sign that was not recognized, according to Parent Heart Watch.

“Athletic trainers and youth sport coaches are the first line of defense in a crisis,” Dr. Miller says. “Readiness can save lives when seconds matter, and advocating for young athletes’ health ensures they have the support and protection they need to thrive on and off the field.

Having an emergency action plan can help parents, coaches and athletes respond to injuries in a timely manner. An emergency action plan is a comprehensive detailed written plan that prepares for medical, environmental and security emergencies. It is developed and coordinated with local EMS, venue officials, medical personnel and organization administrators.

Learn more about the importance of an emergency action plan.

Get to Know Our Staff: Erika Harper-Dugan, Dietary

Get to Know Our Staff: Erika Harper-Dugan, Dietary

by | Feb 10, 2025 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am a food service manager, and I ensure that our patients’ food orders are correct and delivered in a timely manner.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?                             
The most fulfilling part of my job is getting the chance to meet patients and their families.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
Scottish Rite is special to me because I get the chance to make a lifelong impact on the lives of patients and their families. 

What made you choose a career in health care?
I chose a career in health care to be able to make patients happy.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
I get to talk, play and have fun with the patients!

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I like to make crafts and give back to the community in various ways.

Where are you from and what brought you to DFW?
I’m a native cowgirl of Dallas.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would travel to Madrid, just to be able to experience traveling and trying different foods.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I could eat surf and turf for the rest of my life, as well as shrimp, steak, baked potatoes and a salad.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“The Christmas Story.”

What was the first concert you attended?
Prince.

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
A DFW hidden gem is Jimmy’s Food Store, located in Old East Dallas.

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
I would pick Queen Latifah.

What is some advice you would give your younger self OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
The best piece of advice I’ve heard is that there are no strangers.