•  On Mar, 16, 2021
•  Doctor Notes
•   Latest News, Well Child

Here at Briarcliff Pediatrics, we know full well how frustrating it was for young athletes to sit out their full seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year. Sports are understandably not the highest priority taken into account during such a serious and dangerous health crisis, but there is no denying the value of exercise, stress relief, and social skills that playing sports can provide kids. While COVID-19 is still ongoing and cannot be ignored, better days seem to be on the horizon thanks to declining infection rates and the prevalence of safe vaccination options becoming available. That’s why our healthcare providers wanted to discuss some health and safety factors to consider for spring and summer sports this year.

The first step towards getting back on the field safely is taking the necessary precautions before the season starts. Sports and recreational activities for kids in school are approved by the state of Georgia, however we highly recommend the following:

• Taking time to learn any new safety rules and expectations that have been implemented to help keep child athletes and their families safe during COVID-19 (and making sure your children understand them as well).
• Making sure each child has their own protective materials including a mask, hand sanitizer, towel, water bottle, and tissues. Children should be instructed not to use or borrow protective materials from any other teammates or coaches.
• Making sure all youth athletes have an up-to-date sports physical before participating.

It’s also crucial to maintain safe habits during practice or a game. Any athlete who is feeling sick or has any symptoms of COVID-19 (or has been exposed to COVID-19) should stay home from a practice or a game and get tested if their doctor recommends doing so. Athletes should avoid gathering in groups before practice, maintain social distancing (6 feet) and mask wearing. Avoid unnecessary physical contact including high-fives and fist bumps. We recommend sanitizing hands before and after using any shared equipment including balls, bats and sticks. When each game or practice is over, make a point to wash or replace face masks, towels, and clothes/uniforms, as well as personal equipment like water bottles.

Here at Briarcliff Pediatrics, Dr. Raymond Deeb and Dr. Ashley Brown are currently offering effective and accurate rapid testing for COVID-19. Unlike some rapid antigen tests that are available elsewhere, we are using a special testing machine called “ID Now”. This technology, similar to a PCR test, looks for the actual RNA at the molecular level to detect a potential positive covid infection. Undergoing this test can provide a reliable result in just 15 minutes that parents will be able to present to any school, camp, or daycare that requires this documentation.

After a full year of COVID-19, we’re all continuing to adjust to what has become the “new normal.” However, as we begin to enjoy the things we missed most last year, it’s still imperative to take a proactive approach to health and wellness for ourselves and the ones we love. For more information, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Deeb or Dr. Brown, please contact Briarcliff Pediatrics today. We are currently accepting new patients and are available for same day appointments. We love to see children of all ages, including newborns. And follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional news, updates, and much more.