Health center joins national effort to reduce student sports injuries

A local health center joins a new national initiative to reduce injuries and deaths in youth sports.

Concerned over significant increases in youth sports injuries Sanford's Center for Youth Sports and Health is teaming with the American College of Sports Medicine.

The frequency of injury is on the rise because young athletes are pushed too hard, said Michael Bergeron, who heads the Sioux Falls-based medical provider.

"It's really getting out of hand. We're seeing kids even in middle school encountering multiple injuries and surgeries because of just doing too much and not really allowing themselves to develop in a more appropriate way," Bergeron said.

Nationally, at least six high school football players have died this year from preventable heat stress, Bergeron said.

The new National Youth Sports Health and Safety Institute will focus on research, education and legislation to target preventable sports injuries.