Help Kids Thrive This School Year: Why Youth Sports Matter More Now Than Ever

As fall begins, so does the excitement of youth sports. There are many reasons beyond trophies for children to participate, including factors that improve their physical and mental health.

Recent research shows that screen time among children remains high, and it’s having a measurable impact on their mental, emotional and physical well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one half of teenagers have four or more hours of screen time daily. About 1 in 4 of these teens have experienced anxiety or depression symptoms in the past two weeks.

For these reasons and more, pediatricians at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital emphasize the importance of getting kids away from their screens and more involved in physical activity and team sports.

“Youth sports give kids a chance to get exercise, build teams with their peers and take their eyes off devices,” said Dr. Ryan Davies. “Their involvement can have so many positive effects on their physical, mental and social health, which can lead to sustainable healthy habits that can last a lifetime.”

• Physical Health: Sports provide a structured way for kids to stay active, improving heart health, coordination and long-term fitness habits. This helps maintain a healthy weight and decreases risks for long-term conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
• Mental Health: Exercise reduces stress and boosts mood. Being part of a team builds confidence, develops lasting friendships and balances out time spent on screens and social media.
• Social Skills: Sports offer a safe space to learn communication, teamwork and resilience; skills that are taught more easily in person.
• Life Skills: Participation in athletics is associated with higher grades in school, improved skills such as goal setting, time management, resilience and critical thinking.

“Research confirms that physical activity improves memory, concentration and overall health,” Davies said. “Encouraging participation in youth sports can help children find enjoyable outlets for self-expression while also having a variety of health benefits. Start by visiting your pediatrician to ensure that your child is healthy and ready for sports with proper documentation of vaccines and sports physical forms.”

For families juggling busy schedules, finding time for medical appointments can be a challenge, but with the latest virtual care advancements from Atrium Health Levine Children’s, parents can now consult with dedicated pediatricians for more than just sick visits. Atrium Health Levine Children’s Pediatrics Virtual gives families the ability to receive well-child care and follow-up care from the comfort of their own home. Offering extended hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, Atrium Health Levine Children’s new pediatric virtual primary care practice provides the flexibility to receive the same high-quality, comprehensive care provided at a traditional in-person primary care office, just in a place that is most convenient and comfortable for families.

Additionally, if you are feeling unsure or overwhelmed with how to involve your child regular physical activity or need guidance with diet and exercise lifestyle changes, Atrium Health Navicent Children’s Care Downtown Macon can help. The Healthy Me Clinic empowers families with personalized support, nutrition and exercise education, goal development, and medication management for those who qualify. Virtual appointments are also available to accommodate for busy school and family schedules.

As the only dedicated pediatric facility in central and south Georgia, and one of the most comprehensive in the state, Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital has the only dedicated pediatric emergency room in the area, and provides care in general pediatrics, pediatric critical care, neonatal intensive care and outpatient services. The hospital also serves as the primary teaching site for the Department of Pediatrics at the Mercer University School of Medicine.

Learn more about Atrium Health Levine Children’s Pediatrics Virtual and what non-urgent, urgent and emergency care options are available for families 24/7 by visiting https://childrenshospitalnh.org. To build a relationship with a pediatrician, visit https://childrenshospitalnh.org and click “Find A Provider.”