To nap or not? That's the problem parents face with their children. Plus, how to treat and avoid injuries for sumo wrestlers this season.
The college wrestling season is in full swing, and young players are beginning their offseason training.
Orthopedic experts at OSF HealthCare say common injuries on the mat are treatable.
Possible concussions, cauliflower ears, dislocated shoulders, sprained ankles, etc.
When it comes to the knee, be on the lookout for prepatellar bursitis, says OSF Orthopedic APRN Glennette Barrett.
“There is a bursa, a fluid-filled sac that covers the kneecap. [the kneecap] This is to provide a cushion for other tissues to slide off.I get very angry when this happens [hits to the mat] It happens many times. This will cause inflammation. Excess liquid will accumulate. It's pretty painful,” Barrett said.
Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications can help with knee injuries. For prevention, Barrett says quality equipment and training go a long way.
Dirty mats also run the risk of skin infections. So shower often and watch out for scratches and rashes.
For many years, a kindergartener's school day typically included an afternoon nap.
Now some schools are phasing it out, leaving parents wondering what's the right thing to do.
Dr. Luis Garcia, a pediatrician at OSF HealthCare, says parents need to consider daytime sleep, nighttime sleep, and total sleep time.
Nap length should be between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
“To avoid disrupting bedtime, naps after 3 or 4 p.m. are not recommended. Allow at least 4 hours between the last nap and bedtime so that children are not too tired at bedtime. “We want to have that,” Dr. Garcia said.
Between the ages of 4 and 6, the need for naps usually decreases. When the time comes, Dr. Garcia tells kids to stop eating cold turkey. In the early stages, it may be helpful to move him to bed 20 to 30 minutes earlier.
Make sure your child's school or daycare is aware of their sleep habits.
