Hypertension … in kids!

When we think about high blood pressure, we associate this with getting older and watching our sodium intake. But an article in the Wall Street Journal brings to light a dangerous trend in adolescent and pediatric hypertension. The fact that more and more children and teenagers are showing evidence of hypertension means that they are on an early trajectory for heart attacks, strokes and other serious problems. Studies quoted in this article indicate that an estimated 5% of people age 18 and under have hypertension, which is up from about 1% three decades ago. This is largely due to an increasing number of overweight and obese children. Indications are that this estimate is actually on the low side. “The good news is that most young people can achieve healthy blood pressure and reverse the accumulated bad effects by increasing physical activity, improving their diet and losing weight. Medicines generally aren't required.”

The following steps are recommended so you can monitor and prevent high blood pressure and its risks in children:

• Know your child’s blood pressure. Starting at age 3 blood pressure checks should be part of the annual check up
• Incorporate a regular program of physical activity as part of everyday life
• Plan time away from the house and the television
• Reduce unhealthy eating
• Reduce salt in daily diet
• Include more fruits and vegetables in the diet

According to the report the diagnosis is not a life sentence. A regular program of physical activity for at-risk children can lead to significant reductions in blood pressure and improvements in the health of their arteries.

SIRC Reference: Winslow, Ron. (2010).Doctor’s Focus on Kids’ Blood Pressure. Wall Street Journal, June 29, 2010. Retrieved from the Internet October 6, 2010.

Overcoming the Fear of Re-injury

Athletes often push their bodies to the limits to keep them fit and make them faster.  While this attitude keeps athletes at the top of their game, it also comes with a risk.  Injuries are commonplace in the sport community, freak accidents happen to the best of us even with extra precaution and care.

After a major injury, an athlete may become 'injury-prone'. This can happen when fears, conscious or sub-consciously, produce tension in the body.  Tension then interferes with circulation and flexibility and athletes end up hurting themselves more often.

A number of emotions are experienced when an athlete is afraid of getting injured:

• anxiety
• tension
• depression
• anger
• frustration
• fatigue

While the body may heal easily enough, psychologically, the athlete may need a little help with the fear of hurting themselves again.  Good therapists can really help athletes by offering reassurance and teaching them to use positive imagery and self-talk to cope with anxiety. If a therapist is not an option, social support is one of the best coping mechanisms for an injured athlete because they can provide emotional support and encouragement for someone feeling discouraged or fearful.

In order for an athlete to gain the confidence that the injured area is completely healed, they should be brought back into sport gradually and systematically starting with drills and strength training while slowly increasing the intensity.

Sport is a physical and mental game and dealing with injuries can be one of the toughest challenges an athlete can face. Understanding that these emotions are a normal response to a serious injury can help athletes, coaches, and their families help an athlete through a difficult recovery and eventual return to play.

References from the SIRC Collection: 

1. Cooper B. ATTACK OF THE NAGGING FEARS!. Runner's World. September 2011;46(9):60-67.
2. Crawford C. FEAR OF INJURY. Skitrax. Spring2012 2012;22(4):14.
3. Kvist J, Ek A, Sporrstedt K, Good L. Fear of re-injury: a hindrance for returning to sports after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. July 2005;13(5):393-397.
4. McCloy J. Over coming fear of re-injury. Coaching Youth Sports. March 2004.
5. McCollom B. Conquering the FEAR factor. Ski Racing. November 29, 2005;38(5):18-22.
6. Podlog L, Dimmock J, Miller J. A review of return to sport concerns following injury rehabilitation: Practitioner strategies for enhancing recovery outcomes. Physical Therapy In Sport. February 2011;12(1):36-42.