For its upcoming Let’s Talk Children’s Health webinar, STHS Children’s will focus on athlete safety, covering injury prevention, common sports-related injuries and tips for maintaining a healthy athletic journey
Whether competing in youth sports, high school athletics or recreational leagues, young athletes continually push themselves to perform at their best.
While sports offer significant physical and mental health benefits, they also carry a risk of injury.
Each year, more than 3.5 million children and adolescents sustain sports-related injuries in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), highlighting the importance of prevention, education and early intervention.
Athlete safety starts long before competition, with proper conditioning, strength training, stretching and sport-specific warmups playing a key role in reducing injury risk.
“Keeping athletes safe isn’t just about treating injuries after they occur, it’s about helping prevent them in the first place,” said Santos Cantu, MD, a pediatric and emergency medicine specialist and medical director of the South Texas Health System Children’s Emergency Department. “Proper conditioning, hydration, injury prevention, listening to your body and knowing when to seek care are all essential to protecting an athlete’s health, enhancing performance and supporting long-term success.”
Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet and getting adequate rest are essential for supporting athletic performance, recovery and overall well-being.
Recognizing the warning signs of an injury is equally important. Persistent pain, dizziness, swelling, balance problems or concussion symptoms should never be ignored, as early evaluation and treatment can help prevent more serious complications and support a safe return to play.
By prioritizing education, preparation and teamwork, athletes, parents and coaches can work together to reduce injury risk, enhance performance and maximize the many physical, emotional and social benefits of sports.
“The best defense against sports injuries is education and preparation,” said Dr. Cantu. “When athletes, parents and coaches work together to promote healthy habits, recognize injuries early and follow safe training practices, young athletes are better equipped to compete confidently and stay healthy both on and off the field.”
To help support young athletes throughout their athletic journey, STHS Children’s will dedicate the latest installment of its Let’s Talk Children’s Health webinar series to athlete safety and injury prevention.
Broadcast live on the STHS Children’s Facebook page on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the free virtual seminar is designed for student-athletes, recreational athletes, parents, coaches and anyone interested in helping young athletes stay healthy and active.
The webinar will feature practical guidance from medical professionals and evidence-based recommendations to help prevent injuries and support safe participation in sports.
For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Children’s Facebook Events page. To watch previous Let’s Talk Children’s Health Seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.
Who: South Texas Health System Children’s
What: FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Children’s Health – Athlete Safety”
When: Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Online via STHS Children’s & STHS’ Facebook pages
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first dedicated children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.
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