Even something as basic as food intake can help you remain healthy when playing sports.

Nutrition
Learn the role of nutrition on your student athlete's performance. Ensure that they get a healthy balance of grains, vegetables, fruits, calcium and protein. Have your student athlete read about the United States Department of Agriculture's food guide pyramid. Stress the importance of carbohydrate intake for your student athlete. Athletes should begin training sessions with their muscles and liver well stocked with glycogen, which comes from carbohydrates.

Download the USDA nutrition pyramid. (pdf)

Athlete Hydration
Drinking enough fluids is something that should not be overlooked. Dehydration can affect performance and lead to other more serious health concerns.

Emphasize the importance of hydration for athletes by doing the following:

• Learn the symptoms of dehydration, which include dry or sticky mouth, low or no urine output; concentrated urine, not producing tears and sunken eyes
• Determine a fluid strategy intake for your student athlete
• Keep in mind that just because you might not be thirsty does not mean you do not need fluids

Learn more about hydration from the Gatorade Institute.