Making sure athletes stay safe and healthy this summer

Staying hydrated and wearing the proper protective equipment is key for keepting athletes healthy and in good condition.

While the summer may be the perfect time for getting in shape, athletes are faced with a great deal of risks, though there are ways to mitigate them.

Dr. Karen Kepler of the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation said in a statement that people can get a lot of health benefits from playing sports and participating in outdoor activities during the summer. But at the same time, research has proven that there is significantly larger number of people who suffer sprains, strains, broken bones, and brain and spinal cord injuries in the summer months.

"Many of these injuries can be attributed to the simple fact that more people are outdoors doing more things: whether it's travelling to the beach, lake or pool; going boating; pursuing more extreme hiking and mountain biking; or just playing at the local playground," Kepler explained in Kessler's release statement. "And what can make matters worse are the high temperatures and humidity levels that can result in heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses."

With that, coaches need to pay very close attention to team hydration and to make sure that their players are drinking plenty of fluids during both practices and games. Gatorade cups and full coolers should be readily available in dugouts and on the sidelines so that athletes always have access to water or sports drinks as needed.

The Kessler Institute said that bikers should always be wearing a helmet. According to the source, the chances of sustaining a serious head injury drop by 90 percent when a cyclist has a helmet on.

Swimming, while a great way to exercise and cool off during the summer, can be very dangerous if someone is careless. The source says that it's always important to check the depth of water before jumping into it, no matter what type of body of water you may be jumping into.

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