The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA), National Football League (NFL) and National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) share a commitment to youth health and wellness and are excited to join together in launching fifteen “Back to Sports”  youth sports and wellness events in the spring of 2014. These events will engage parents and community leaders to promote youth wellness by providing education and training on the latest sport safety information such as concussion education, tips on staying active, and proper nutrition and hydration.

Presented locally by AHA, NFL and National PTA community representatives, school leaders, doctors, physical education teachers, nurses, and others, “Back to Sports Nights” will combine information on sport safety resources and NFL PLAY 60, including concussion awareness, common injury prevention, nutrition and hydration. We know the physical, mental, and emotional rewards of sports participation and active lifestyles far outweigh trophies and ribbons, and through this program, parents of young athletes will learn ways to help their kids stay safer and healthier.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

PROGRAM GOAL:  To increase regular physical activity and fitness through participation in sports among youth by removing safety concerns as a barrier to participation. Key objectives include:

·         Create awareness among parents of the rewards of sports participation and physically active lifestyles (benefits to the “whole” child including physical, mental and social)

·         Educate parents, coaches and other stakeholders on injury prevention and address safety as a barrier to encouraging children to participate in sports or other physical activities, including;

o   Brain health and safety (including concussions, helmet and equipment fitting, proper tackling)

o   Heat and hydration

o   Healthy diet and proper nutrition

o   Sudden cardiac arrest and proper response (including hands-only CPR), and

o   Prevention of common musculoskeletal injuries.

·         Provide an opportunity for local school personnel such as coaches/athletic directors to highlight sport programs and summer camp opportunities

·         Target audience: parents, coaches, and key stakeholders of elementary, middle, and high school youth athletes

·         Duration: 90-minutes

·         Layout: Parents will participate in expert-led stations while children engage in various facilitated physical activities

·         An incentivized post-survey will be sent to attendees for program evaluation feedback

For more information: Tamishia Moats, 972 - 658 - 3891 or tmoats@bdhs.org or BDHS

Information provided by Judy Porter.