health
AAP urges pediatricians to discourage youths from boxing
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Sept. 12, 2011
Pediatricians should educate patients interested in boxing on the dangers of the sport and encourage them to participate in safer activities, such as basketball and swimming, says an American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement.
Because the sport encourages deliberate blows to the head, participants are at risk of head injuries that could be fatal, said the policy statement published online Aug. 28 in Pediatrics. Also concerning are the methods boxers use to maintain a certain weight (link). Such measures include restricting fluid consumption and taking diuretics, the statement said.
The AAP encourages pediatricians to advocate that boxing organizations ensure that appropriate medical care is provided for children and adolescents who participate in the activity.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/12/hlbf0912.htm.
