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Overuse injuries are probably the most common among children and teenage athletes. Overuse injuries occur when young athletes use repetitive motions that put a great deal of stress on growing bones and muscles. Examples of overuse injuries include anterior knee pain, Little League elbow, swimmer's shoulder and shin splints. Overuse injuries are aggravated by growth spurts, inadequate warm-up, excessive training, playing the same sport year-round or playing multiple sports during the same season, improper technique and inadequate equipment.

Reinjury can occur when a young athlete returns to playing before a previous injury has properly healed. Child and teenage athletes can put themselves at greater risk by returning to a sport before recovery because it puts undue stress on the previous injury and forces the body to compensate for this weakness, thus risking injury to another part of the body. Parents should make sure a doctor has cleared their child to return to their activity, as well as making sure the child is performing proper stretching, warm-up and cool-down exercises.

Dangers of Performance-Enhancing Drugs

Increased drug testing standards are becoming the norm in many professional sports circles these days, but middle school and high school student athletes also face temptations when it comes to using steroids and other performance enhancing drugs - especially if it means the difference between getting that college scholarship to a top NCAA school or playing for the local junior college. Teenagers especially might be struggling with poor athletic performance compared to their peers, a poor self-image and peer pressure.

According to the Mayo Clinic, "Performance-enhancing drugs and supplements are used to boost athletic performance, ward off fatigue and enhance physical appearance. They're also taken to increase muscle mass and strength. But they can cause serious harm." Different types of performance-enhancing drugs include:

• Creatine - An over-the-counter supplement. Side effects include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and muscle cramps. High doses are associated with kidney, liver and heart problems.
• Anabolic steroids-Synthetic versions of testosterone that come in the form of tablets, injections, patches or gels; and are illegal without a prescription. Risks include halting bone growth and heart and liver damage.
• Steroid precursors-Substances the body converts into anabolic steroids. The most common forms are androstenedione (andro), androstenediol, norandrostenedione, norandrostenediol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). These substances also are illegal without a prescription.
• Ephedra-A plant containing the stimulants ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, used by athletes to reduce fatigue, lose weight and improve mental alertness. Side effects include a dangerous rise in blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, strokes, seizures, heart attacks and even death. The FDA banned ephedra from supplements in 2004, citing health concerns.

The Mayo Clinic recommends that parents talk to their kids about the risks of steroids. They advise focusing on ethics and the importance of proper training, emphasizing that steroids can cause serious health problems and could even lead to death. Don't overly frighten your kids, but it is important for kids to realize they aren't immortal. Parents also should talk to their child's coach to make sure everyone is on the same page regarding this important issue.

Emotional Well-Being

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, "Sports help children develop physical skills, get exercise, make friends, have fun, learn to play as a member of a team, learn to play fair and improve self-esteem." They advise parents to do the following to get the most out of their child's athletic experience:

• Provide emotional support and positive feedback.
• Attend games and talk about them afterward.
• Have realistic expectations for your child.
• Learn about the sport and support your child's involvement.
• Talk to your child about their experiences with coaches and other team members.
• Help your child handle disappointments and losing.
• Model respectful spectator behavior.