Mega Doctor News
EDINBURG, Texas – Whether competing in youth sports, high school athletics or recreational leagues, young athletes continually push themselves to perform at their best.
While sports offer significant physical and mental health benefits, they also carry a risk of injury.
Each year, more than 3.5 million children and adolescents sustain sports-related injuries in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), highlighting the importance of prevention, education and early intervention.
Athlete safety starts long before competition, with proper conditioning, strength training, stretching and sport-specific warmups playing a key role in reducing injury risk.
“Keeping athletes safe isn’t just about treating injuries after they occur, it’s about helping prevent them in the first place,” said Santos Cantu, MD, a pediatric and emergency medicine specialist and medical director of the South Texas Health System Children’s Emergency Department. “Proper conditioning, hydration, injury prevention, listening to your body and knowing when to seek care are all essential to protecting an athlete’s health, enhancing performance and supporting long-term success.”
Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet and getting adequate rest are essential for supporting athletic performance, recovery and overall well-being.
Recognizing the warning signs of an injury is equally important. Persistent pain, dizziness, swelling, balance problems or concussion symptoms should never be ignored, as early evaluation and treatment can help prevent more serious complications and support a safe return to play.
By prioritizing education, preparation and teamwork, athletes, parents and coaches can work together to reduce injury risk, enhance performance and maximize the many physical, emotional and social benefits of sports.
“The best defense against sports injuries is education and preparation,” said Dr. Cantu. “When athletes, parents and coaches work together to promote healthy habits, recognize injuries early and follow safe training practices, young athletes are better equipped to compete confidently and stay healthy both on and off the field.”
To help support young athletes throughout their athletic journey, STHS Children’s will dedicate the latest installment of its Let’s Talk Children’s Health webinar series to athlete safety and injury prevention.
Broadcast live on the STHS Children’s Facebook page on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the free virtual seminar is designed for student-athletes, recreational athletes, parents, coaches and anyone interested in helping young athletes stay healthy and active.
The webinar will feature practical guidance from medical professionals and evidence-based recommendations to help prevent injuries and support safe participation in sports.
For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Children’s Facebook Events page. To watch previous Let’s Talk Children’s Health Seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.
| Who: | South Texas Health System Children’s |
| What: | FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Children’s Health – Athlete Safety” |
| When: | Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Online via STHS Children’s & STHS’ Facebook pages |
About South Texas Health System
