Nov 22, 2019 / Sports Medicine
What’s New in Pediatric Sports Medicine? Notes from a National Conference for Pediatricians
Sports medicine physicians Jane S. Chung, M.D., and Shane M. Miller, M.D., attended the recent American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition. From the meeting, a few topics stood out regarding the young athlete.
The focus of the AAP’s Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness program was on athlete mental health and providing a safe environment for student athletes. This included tough, but important information including physical safety and suicide prevention.
Suicide is second to unintentional injury as the leading causes of death in children and young adults ages 10-24 years, according to the NIH. Recent findings suggest that perfectionism is a risk factor for suicide. Both Chung and Miller made note of one presenter’s suggestion to encourage athletes to work toward their personal best instead of perfection. Miller adds that as a parent and a provider, he has an opportunity to improve the future for our children by promoting this on the sidelines and in the office. He says, “Young athletes today are really struggling with unrealistic expectations.”
Check out these resources recommended by council members:
Learn more about pediatric sports medicine.
The focus of the AAP’s Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness program was on athlete mental health and providing a safe environment for student athletes. This included tough, but important information including physical safety and suicide prevention.
Suicide is second to unintentional injury as the leading causes of death in children and young adults ages 10-24 years, according to the NIH. Recent findings suggest that perfectionism is a risk factor for suicide. Both Chung and Miller made note of one presenter’s suggestion to encourage athletes to work toward their personal best instead of perfection. Miller adds that as a parent and a provider, he has an opportunity to improve the future for our children by promoting this on the sidelines and in the office. He says, “Young athletes today are really struggling with unrealistic expectations.”
Check out these resources recommended by council members:
- How to Coach Kids – web-based and app-based coaching resources by sport
- U.S. Center for Safe Sports – Chung says, “This is a good resource to share with parents and coaches. They can take online courses for coaching kids in a safe environment and learn how to prevent abuse in youth sports.”
- SafeSport Helpline – training, resources and reporting system for safety concerns.
- AAP’s Mental Health Toolkit – Pediatricians can purchase this resource on the AAP website.
- AAP’s resources and policy statement on protecting children from sexual abuse – new resources coming soon from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM)
Learn more about pediatric sports medicine.
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