Even though physicians debate the benefits of stretching for enhancing sports performance, there are definite reasons to stretch:

• Improves flexibility of muscles before exercising
• Increases blood circulation
• Warms up joints, reducing risk of injury, important for less active students.

Here are some indicative signs and symptoms that your child is not able to cope, and ought to stop exercising and seek professional medical help!

Symptoms include: Headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, shortness of breath, cold sweat, tightening chest sensation, chest pain, muscle pain, muscle cramps and nausea.

• Drinking adequate fluids daily is important and essential to ensure proper hydration, and soft drinks contain between 87% to 99.8% water!
  
  "But I heard soft drinks are bad for my child’s stomach!"
  • The acids secreted in our stomachs are as strong, if not stronger than found in most food.
  • Our saliva neutralizes these acids by the time they reach our stomachs!
  
  "But I heard cold drinks are harmful to my child’s body!"
  • Our bodies process hot and cold food the same way.
  • Choice of food/drink temperature is based on personal preference.
  • Bulk of scientific evidence shows that there is no harm in enjoying beverages- hot or cold!
  
  
• If you do sports, you need extra energy. If you choose soft drinks as an energy source, drink 1 to 2 hours before/after the activity to prevent discomfort.
• All drinks contain calories, so children with weight problems should exercise moderation.
• It's ok to indulge if you remember to work it off!

Share with your child that running has many benefits:

• Running is an important component in many sports such as soccer, basketball and tennis. Strong running skills helps build up your endurance and advantage in these sports!
• Running is an inexpensive form of exercise that requires no special equipment, no partners, and can be done almost anywhere at any time.
• Running helps to improve the functioning of our heart, lungs and build general stamina and fitness.