Any passerby or tourist new to our shores can recognize one thing almost immediately: When it comes to athletic activities, Miami takes these popular pastimes very seriously. An A+ combination of the region’s premier orthopedists, neurologists, cardiologists, physical therapists and trainers outfitted to treat any strata of sportsman, the compassionate staff and innovative medical technology at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital assure that no fitness-related injury or disorder remains untreated. Staffed by professionals just as passionate about athletics as their patients, Nicklaus Children’s Sports Health Program is intimately acquainted with the particular problems facing our South Florida athletes. “Our year-round sunshine makes overtraining very tempting to coaches and young athletes,” says Lauren Butler, Physical Therapy Supervisor at the Pinecrest Sports Health Center. “Be sure to encourage breaks from primary sport participation as well as cross-training in other sports to allow for recovery and movement variability in the young athlete” Tony Salvaggio, Nicklaus’ Athletic Training Outreach Coordinator, agrees. He wants to remind Miamians that proper hydration is essential for peak performance. “Being an athlete under the Miami sun takes a toll on optimal sports performance and health,” he says. “Make sure that you are properly hydrating in the days leading up to competition, during the activity with water and electrolyte drinks, and immediately after the event. If you’re thirsty, you are already dehydrated.”; 855.NCH.SPRT; NicklausChildrens.org/SportsHealth.
