Here's an edited Q&A from the conversation.

Q: What's one of the biggest misconceptions parents have about sports injury prevention?

Bass: Many parents focus on game day. They focus on when the whistle blows or when the competition starts. What often gets overlooked is everything that happens before that. Preparation, practice habits, warmups, conditioning and recovery all play an important role in helping reduce injury risk and improve performance.

Q: What does a good injury prevention routine look like before practice or a game?

Bass: It starts with a proper warmup. We want to warm up before we stretch, not stretch before we warm up. The goal is to create blood flow, get muscles and joints ready to perform, and make warmups a consistent part of every practice routine.

Sports are all about routines, and creating healthy routines can help reduce injury frequency.

Q: Does playing one sport year-round increase injury risk?

Bass: Research suggests that sports specialization can contribute to higher injury rates and burnout. Younger athletes should be encouraged to participate in multiple sports.

As young athletes grow and mature, their interests usually become clearer. In many cases, specialization happens naturally over time rather than needing to happen at a very young age.

The goal should be helping kids enjoy sports while developing a variety of skills.

Q: What are some signs that an athlete may be pushing too hard?

Bass: Parents and coaches should pay attention to changes in performance, soreness, swelling, stiffness and limping.

Athletes are often pleasers. They don't want to disappoint coaches, teammates or parents, and sometimes they don't immediately report that something is hurting.

That's why communication is so important. The earlier we identify a problem, the more options we have to help the athlete recover and continue participating safely.

Q: Why is it important for athletes to be honest about injuries?

Bass: Many athletes worry that reporting an injury will immediately take them out of competition. What I want them to understand is that athletic trainers and sports medicine professionals are advocates for the athlete.

Our goal is not to keep them from participating. Our goal is to help them recover, perform at their best and stay healthy over the long term.

Building trust helps athletes feel more comfortable speaking up when something doesn't feel right.

Q: What should parents know about concussions?

Bass: Concussions are medically classified as traumatic brain injuries, and they deserve serious attention.

One of the most important things parents need to know is that no two concussions are exactly alike. A concussion may look very different from athlete to athlete. Some athletes may experience headaches. Others may become sensitive to light or sound. Some may struggle with sleep, concentration or mood changes.

If symptoms develop after a collision, fall or impact, it's important to have the athlete evaluated by a medical professional.

Q: Can athletes drink too much water?

Bass: Parents ask that question quite a bit.

While it is technically possible to overhydrate under certain circumstances, most young athletes are much more likely to be under-hydrated than over-hydrated.

Hydration should be consistent throughout the day. Athletes should not wait until they feel thirsty to start drinking fluids, especially during practices and competitions in hot weather.

Q: Is heat illness preventable?

Bass: Heat illness is one of the most preventable sports injuries we see.

Proper hydration, acclimatization to heat, regular breaks and recognizing warning signs early can make a tremendous difference.

Parents should pay attention to symptoms like headaches, cramping, fatigue, dizziness and unusual behavior changes during or after physical activity in the heat.

When athletes begin experiencing heat-related symptoms, it's important to cool them down, rehydrate and seek medical attention when necessary.

Q: What's one thing every athlete should do before practice?

Bass: Say thank you.

Thank the parents, caregivers, coaches, teammates and everyone else who helps make it possible for you to participate.

Playing sports is a privilege, and gratitude is something every athlete can carry with them onto the field, court or track.

The Bottom Line

Preventing sports injuries isn't about one single technique or piece of equipment. It starts with consistent habits: proper warmups, good nutrition, hydration, recovery and honest communication when something doesn't feel right.

By helping young athletes build healthy routines and recognize warning signs early, parents can play an important role in keeping kids healthy, safe and in the game.

As pediatric experts, Cook Children’s Health Care System know that protecting a child's health is about preventing emergency room visits just as much as treating illness. Ahead of the major soccer tournament, the system launched "World Cup Wednesday," a weekly healthcare series providing local and international visitors with essential resources on injury prevention, heat safety, water safety and guidance on when to utilize urgent care versus the emergency department.

The hottest time of the year in Texas is here, with temperatures regularly ranging from 80-100 degrees between June and August. Medical experts from Cook Children’s Health Care System advise caregivers and parents on what to know before attending outdoor activities or fan watch parties.

“Children can't cool off the body as well as adults,” said Monica Herrera, M.D., a pediatrician at Cook Children’s Pediatrics Windhaven, “it's important that we keep them hydrated.”

Dr. Herrera emphasizes that hydration is key during these months, as well as protecting children's skin from the sun and mosquitoes.

Learn the signs of heat-related illnesses

Spending too much time in the heat without proper hydration can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Dr. Herrera said learning the signs for heat-related illness is important, so caregivers know when to seek medical attention.

Symptoms include:

• Feeling faint or confused: A child may begin acting disoriented.
• Walking unsteadily and losing coordination.
• Headache
• Abnormally warm skin: Feels hot to the touch.
• Lack of urination: No wet diapers or bathroom use in eight hours.
• Nauseous and vomiting
• Shallow breathes: The body uses shallow breathing to try to shed excess heat.
• Muscle cramps: A child may complain that their legs hurt.
• Numbness

If a child exhibits these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Preparedness is the number one way to avoid heat-related illness and Dr. Herrera says it starts with hydration.

Hydration Tips

Babies under 6 months old should generally be kept indoors. However, if an infant is outside, Dr. Herrera recommends they stay hydrated with formula or breastmilk. Babies under 6 months should not be given water.

“The breast milk has everything that the baby needs as does formula,” said Dr. Herrera. “If you're outside for a prolonged period they really need to be drinking every 20 minutes.”

As children get older water becomes the priority for hydration, but there are other tricks if your little one isn’t fond of H20. While water is best, other caffeine-free fluids and water-rich foods can help count toward hydration.

“Fluids don’t always come in the form of liquid,” said Dr. Herrera.

Alternative hydration sources:

• Ice cream
• Popsicles
• Snow cones
• Crushed Ice
• Fruits (Watermelon, grapes and cantaloupe) are an excellent source of hydration
• Soft liquids (such as yogurt, applesauce)

How do you know if your child is hydrated?

Check their urine. Urine is the best indicator of hydration status for both children and adults. A well-hydrated child's or adult’s urine should be clear to a light yellow, similar to a light lemonade color. If the urine is dark yellow or tea-colored, dark orange, more fluids are needed.

Sun protection

While hydration is critical, protecting a child’s skin is a close second. Dr. Herrera explained that children’s skin is sensitive and can burn when exposed to the sun for a prolonged period. While sunblock Sun Protection Factor (SPF) ratings range in coverage from SPF 10 to 80, Dr. Herrera recommends choosing products with two active ingredients: zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and use a sunblock of SPF 30.

Babies under 6 months of age should not have sunblock applied. Instead, keep them in the shade and dress them in a wide-brimmed hat.

Sunblock recommendations for 6 months and older:

• Choose a mineral-based sunscreen.
• Use SPF 30
• Apply 15 to 30 minutes prior to going outside.
• Reapply every two hours.
• Avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone.
• Choose lotions over aerosol sprays to ensure total skin coverage.

Staying Cool in the Sun

• Dress children in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Choose breathable, absorbent materials.
• Avoid sitting directly in the sun. Seek shade when possible.
• Use cool mist sprays for quick relief.

Mosquitos

Summer heat in Texas also brings mosquitoes, which thrive around stagnant water and in hot, humid climates.

“Mosquitoes, as we know, can carry viruses which can cause severe infections and serious complications,” said Dr. Herrera. “We want to avoid mosquito bites if at all possible.”

The most effective line of defense is insect repellent.

Finding the best repellent:

• DEET is the most effective option.
• For infants up to 2 years of age, use a maximum of 10% DEET.
• For children older than 2, a maximum of 30% DEET.
• Apply repellent only to exposed skin or on top of clothing. Do not apply it underneath clothing.
• If concerned about applying directly on the skin, apply repellent on clothing instead.

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Texas surpassed its number of hot car deaths from 2024 on July 14, according to the Texas Department of Health Services (DSHS). A sixth and seventh fatality was reported in August in North Texas.

The increase contributes to the more than 20 hot car deaths reported nationwide this year as of August 26. Vehicular heatstroke is the second-leading cause of vehicle-related deaths in children under 15, trailing only car crashes.

Experts from Cook Children's Health Care System, Viviana Esparza, program coordinator at the Center for Community Health, and Sharon Evans, trauma injury prevention manager, emphasize the preventable nature of these tragedies.

“It can happen to anyone but it is 100% preventable,” Esparza said.

She notes that 52% of hot car child deaths occur when a child is forgotten. According to kidsandcars.org, parents can suffer from exhaustion due to lack of sleep, stress, and changes in their normal routine. Any one of these can cause a parent or caregiver's memory to fail at a time when you least expect it.

“Parents need to realize this can happen to anyone,” Evans said. “They aren’t bad parents but they get distracted or there’s a change in their routine. Make it a habit to put something you need in the back seat with the child.”

Twenty-five percent of hot car child deaths are due to a child gaining access to an unlocked vehicle or a child getting the keys. Evans recommends teaching toddlers and preschool-aged children to honk the horn if they become trapped, enabling them to draw attention to the vehicle.

Esparza says the third most common is knowingly leaving a child in a vehicle for a quick errand. DSHS emphasizes that a cracked window does not protect a child or pet from heatstroke.

“A car heats up about 20 degrees in 10 minutes and the temperature just keeps growing after that, often reaching 130-140 degrees in 30 minutes to an hour,” Evans said.

Esparza encourages families to remember the acronym A.C.T. to prevent heatstroke:

• A: AVOID heatstroke and other heat-related injuries by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. When the vehicle is at home, keep the doors locked and keys or key fobs out of a child's reach.
• C: CREATE reminders. Place an item you need, such as a bag, wallet, or cellphone, in the back of your car or next to your child. This is especially important if you're not following your normal routine. If your child is with a care provider, ensure vehicle-related procedures are in place, such as vehicle searches or locking vehicles when not in use. Use technology to your advantage and use apps or other communication methods to stay connected with your childcare provider.
• T: TAKE action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 9-1-1. Emergency personnel want you to call, and they are trained to respond swiftly to these situations. One call could save a life.

Summer has begun, which means more outdoor activities and finding ways to cool down. Cook Children's Health Care System experts share tips for parents on how to keep children safe and prepared for the heat, from cooling down at the pool to summer travel safety.

As the 4^th of July approaches, we are sharing the latest drowning data from Cook Children’s Health Care System. As of January 1 to June 18, there were 20 drownings treated at Cook Children’s, two of which were fatal. Most of these patients have been in the 5-year-old and under age group.

So far in 2025, there has been a decrease with 18 drownings and two fatalities. Most drownings in 2025 have occurred in a swimming pool or spa, second highest were bathtub-related.

While most drowning encounters were not fatal, drowning injuries can result in severe effects, especially on a child’s brain development. Drownings can happen silently and quickly. A submerged person might not attract attention or appear to be in danger.

Cool Down: Water safety and drowning prevention

Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury and death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause for kids 5-14 in Texas.  Eighty-eight percent of drownings occur with at least one adult present. 

• Wear swimsuits with bright colors that are easily detectable in water.
• Designate an adult Water Watcher to ensure constant visual supervision of children in and around water.
• Implement 15-minute shifts for Water Watchers.
• No Distractions: The Water Watcher must have no distractions, including conversations, phones, reading, or consuming alcohol.
• Communication is key: Talk with all caregivers (family and friends) about your child’s swim ability or water competency skills.
• Never assume that adults will be watching, but rather verbally confirm it before leaving your child in their care.
• Barriers: Locks, alarms, and pool fences can help keep unsupervised young children from entering swimming pools.

Fun in the Sun: Boating Safety

The risk of drowning in open water triples at age 15. Setting safety expectations with the whole family ahead of time is paramount. Most drowning fatalities in natural water are not related to boating. Texas law requires that all children 13 and under wear a life jacket while on a boat. Cook Children's Health Care System supports over 60 Loaner Life Jacket Stations in North Texas lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. The goal is to make sure no child or adult drowns at a public lake because they did not have access to a life jacket.

• Make sure life jacket usage is mandatory, along with adult supervision.
• Toe In/Vest On Policy: If a toe is in the water, a life jacket goes on.
• Life Jackets: Must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved.
• When your life jacket is on, ensure that it is buckled on your child as directed.  Always. 
• Know water conditions before getting into open water. Water conditions in lakes and oceans can vary daily.  

Heat Safety

Spending too much time in the heat can lead to heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

• Stay hydrated: Water is best, but other fluids count if they do not include caffeine.
• Hot car danger: Make a habit of double-checking your backseat each time you get out of the car.
• Watch out for hot buckles on car seats, as these can cause burns on your child’s skin.
• Be aware of heat illness. Know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Sun’s Out, Fun’s On

When it comes to sunburn, prevention is key. 

• Use a zinc oxide-based sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
• Cover skin with SPF clothing.
• Apply sunscreen generously and frequently, 15 minutes prior to sun exposure.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming.
• For infants: Keep them out of direct sunlight, especially during peak hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Keep their skin covered with lightweight pants, a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, and a wide-brimmed hat. 
• Wear sunglasses: Look for sunglasses that protect your child’s eyes from at least 97% of the UV rays. 
• If you are worried about any burn, even if it seems minor, consult your child’s pediatrician.

Fireworks
Fireworks can cause severe injuries that are both harmful and painful to children. Children should never handle fireworks. Even seemingly harmless sparklers can heat up to more than 1,200 degrees, making them dangerous for young children.

• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a professional display.
• If setting off fireworks at home, adults should only set them off in a “kid-free” zone.
• Adults should not hold fireworks in their hands or keep any part of their body over them while lighting.
• Avoid accidental burns: keep children away from bonfires and grills.

But are they ready for the hottest part of the year?

Locally, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory that remains in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday. Daily temperatures will range between 94 to 102 degrees, with a heat index between 105 to 109 degrees.

So while you don't want your children to waste their summer vacation away playing video games inside, warm summer temperatures can lead to more than just a sunburn. Being outdoors in the heat for too long can pose a heat-safety risk.

Corwin Warmink, M.D., medical director of the Emergency Department at Cook Children's, says eight kids have been treated in the ED this summer with a chief complain of heat related illness.

"As the outside temperature rises, your family's risk of heat stroke rises right along with it," Dr. Warmink said. "On 100-degree days, it's best to stay inside when it gets that hot. If temperatures exceed 90 degrees, stay in the shade and keep an extra eye on the kids."

Children today are spending increasing amounts of time in air conditioned environments, lured indoors by the constant upkeep of social media accounts and online gaming. One study of nearly 9,000 U.S. children, ages 3 to 5 years old, found that only half were taken outside by their parents on a daily basis to walk or play.

"The more you're out in the heat, the more your body gets used to it, or 'acclimatizes,'" Dr. Warmink said. "Children who are always inside are more prone to heat exhaustion and heatstroke than those who are frequently outdoors and active."

Play it cool

But don't mistake what Dr. Warmink is saying. Too much time out in the heat can cause heat-related illnessess such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Lack of acclimatization has led to an uptick in heat illness among children in recent years, according to Dr. Warmink. Most incidents occur during the first two weeks of school athletics training when kids begin cross country, football, cheerleading or band practice.

"More is being demanded of young athletes during the late summer months," Dr. Warmink said. "Kids who spend all summer indoors and then go out for training in August are setting themselves up for heat illness."

Staying safe

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include flu-like symptoms such as paleness, sweating, nausea and vomiting. Signs of heatstroke include hot, red and dry skin, as well as confusion, vomiting, rapid heart rate, decreased sweating, shortness of breath, decreased urination, increased body temperature (104 to 106 degress Farenheight), or convulsions.

MedStar reminds us that heatstroke and heat exhaustion are common this time of year, but they can be easily prevented:

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water during the day, especially if you are engaged in any strenuous activity. Sports drinks are a good choice if you're exercising or working in hot conditions, but water is a good way to hydrate as well.
• Ventilate: Stay in a place where there is plenty of air circulating to keep your body cool. If you are indoors and don't have access to air conditioning, open windows and use a fan.
• Cover Up: Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing to avoid absorbing the sun's light and trapping heat. Wear a hat to shield yourself from the sun, but once you feel yourself getting warm, remove any items covering your head which can trap heat close to your body.
• Limit Activity: Heatstroke can occur in less than an hour when you are participating in strenuous activity during a hot day. If you feel yourself getting hot or light-headed, stop your activity and rest in a cool place out of the sun. Be sure to drink water or a sports drink before, during, and after any strenuous activity.
• Check on Loved One’s: MedStar reminds families to make sure that your child's grandparents are OK. The elderly are especially vulnerable to heat related emergencies. Many elderly residents are not aware of how hot it may get in their residence. Call on older friends and family members regularly to assure they are doing OK.

About the source

Corwin Warmink, M.D., is the medical director of Emergency Services at Cook Children's. Cook Children's Emergency services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Cook Children's Emergency Department (ED) treats more than 105,000 patients every year. Our ED is the only EMS-designated pediatric trauma center in Tarrant County.