Being an athlete provides an individual with many physical, physiological and sociological benefits. Athletes have strong, healthy bodies -- essential for combating illness and disease -- and their high rates of physical activity help stave off obesity. In addition, athletes develop grace, poise and balance, sleep well, and learn how to operate as part of a team. And, according to the Women’s Sports Foundation, female athletes have more confidence and self-esteem than their non-athletic female peers. But there are also many startling negative facts about being an athlete.
Overtraining Syndrome
Some athletes are prone to Overtraining Syndrome, which means that they train or exercise excessively to the exclusion of other activities. These athletes feel an internal pressure to train repetitiously, even when they are injured. This preoccupation with exercising or training can lead to stress, depression, withdrawal and isolation. Ironically, overtraining syndrome does not lead to better physical health, but is actually detrimental because it does not allow the athlete’s body time to rest and heal.
Sodium Intake
Most Americans are warned against the consumption of too much sodium. Although the recommended daily amount ranges from 1,500 milligrams to 2,300 milligrams, the average American consumes 3,400 milligrams on a daily basis, and these high sodium levels can result in high blood pressure, strokes and other health problems. However, the Coaching Association of Canada states that athletes lose sodium when they sweat, and those who are “salty sweaters” lose an excessive amount of sodium when they sweat. Therefore, athletes should not limit their sodium intake to the recommended daily amount because sodium deficiencies in these individuals can lead to muscle cramps, exhaustion, bloating and an upset stomach.
Concussions
Athletes also have a higher incidence of concussions. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that results from a blow or bump to the head. According to the Centers for Disease Control, U.S. hospital emergency departments treat more than 173,000 traumatic brain injuries a year in children and teens who are involved in sports and recreational activities. The sports and activities with the highest occurrences include football, bicycling, playground activities, soccer and basketball.
Physical Injuries
The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that there are more than 3.5 million sports-related injuries in children younger than the age of 15. These injuries range from acute -- bruises, sprains and fractures -- to contact sports injuries to the spinal cord and neck region. The younger than 15-year-old age group comprises almost 40 percent of all sports-related injuries. Interestingly, most of the injuries occur during practices instead of games.
References
- Women’s Sports Foundation: Mythbusting: What Every Female Athlete Should Know
- The Dallas Morning News: Overtraining Syndrome Can Hurt Athletes Who Exercise Too Much
- Coaching Association of Canada: Sports Nutrition
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Concussion in Sports
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: A Guide to Safety for Young Athletes
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