It’s the end of August and its back to school and back on the playing field for many athletes.

“In Southwest Florida, we see a lot of sports injuries revolving football, baseball, and soccer,” says Dr. Alan Tannenbaum, an internal medicine physician on the medical staff of Lee Memorial Health System.

In order to avoid any sports-related injuries, he has put together a pre-game warm-up for kids and parents. “Before you do any sports it’s a good idea to spend 5 or 10 minutes just stretching,” he says.

Never let a child take to the playing field without being properly hydrated. He suggests sports drinks, like Gatorade, an hour before gametime. “With Florida and the high humidity, its very important that the coaching staff as well as the parents bring plenty of drinks for the children and keep them rehydrated,” adds Dr. Tannenbaum. Replenishing those electrolytes after the game is important too.

And should a child get a few bumps and bruises, the doctor has a strategy. “The simple injuries we see usually are taking care of by rest, ice, compression, and elevation, what we call RICE.” If the injury causes black and blue marks, swelling, and the child is unable to move that part of the body, it’s considered a serious injury. It should be looked at by a physician immediately.