Here are some simple strategies for staying healthy during the wrestling season, which also happens to be cold and flu season.
1. Make sure you get enough sleep. Your body needs the rest! You will be working hard.
2. Eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid high fat foods, and those that contain a lot of sugar. Don't skip meals.
3. Drink plenty of water. Check the labels on many of the "energy" drinks that are targeted for athletes. Many of them contain more than one serving size and have a lot of sugar and artificial ingredients that your body does not need. Plus, those drinks are expensive.
4.Wash your hands regularly with plenty of warm soapy water to eliminate germs that you might have come in contact with. Most public places these days offer anti-bacterial gels if a restroom is not readily available. . Use them.
5. Shower with plenty of warm soapy water as soon as possible after practice to avoid skin infections. If your doctor treats you for a skin infection, please follow instructions carefully and complete any treatment prescribed for you. Sometimes people don't finish the treatment recommended by professionals because they can't see the infection. Just because you cannot see the infection does not mean that it is completely gone.
6. Please do not wear your street shoes on the mat. This will decrease the likelihood of bringing germs on the mat. If you forget your wrestling shoes, it's okay to wear socks for a practice.
7. Even when it's cold outside, take the opportunity to go outside and get a bit of sun. It helps to increase your vitamin D levels, which helps with your immunity.
8. Wrestling is a tough sport. Taking on new challenges will help to increase your self-confidence. Talk with your parents or coaches if you are having problems.
9. HAVE FUN... REALLY !!! YOU'RE ONLY A KID ONCE.