An important tool for keeping kids healthy is participation in youth sports, and it’s not just because of physical activity. There are also social benefits when they connect with other people.
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Some children are back in the classroom, and others are getting ready. An important tool for keeping kids healthy is participation in youth sports, and it’s not just because of physical activity.
There are the obvious physical benefits when kids play sports. It improves cardiovascular health and prevents obesity. But that’s not all.
“There can be social benefits where you make friends. You have an opportunity to connect with other people,” says Dr. David Soma, a Mayo Clinic pediatric sports medicine specialist.
He says there also are emotional benefits.
“So you learn … that teamwork piece or that perseverance — learning how to win, learning how to lose.”
He says a way to get your kids involved in sports is to start young by just getting them active and outdoors.
