All across the world, a large number of athletes play and compete in various types of sports. However, to play well—or to play at all—athletes must be healthy and avoid getting injured.

According to USA Today, 1.35 million youths in 2012 were seriously injured while participating in a sport and were sent to the emergency room to be seen. The most common injuries of that year were sprains and fractures, and 1 of every 3 people that had a concussion got their concussion while participating in a sport.

Many injuries happened while playing football or basketball especially. Injuries can affect athletes extremely and can impact the athlete’s performance, team, and health.

“It is important for an athlete to stay healthy and avoid injuries,” said Sandy Ray, the FHS girls freshman basketball coach, “simply because you care about your athletes and want to see them be healthy.”

It is key for an athlete to be in shape and avoid getting hurt.

“You can’t do anything if you aren’t healthy or if you’re injured,” said Combs, the other FHS girls freshman basketball coach. “I don’t think athletes realize how much staying healthy, eating the right foods, and staying in shape can help you improve in sports and how much it can hurt you if you aren’t healthy.”

An injured player doesn’t only affect the athlete, however. If a player gets hurt, it can hurt their team as well.

“You count on them playing a certain role on your team and if they are injured, it throws the team dynamic off,” Ray said.

Nevertheless, simple steps can be taken to avoid injuries while an athlete is participating in any sport.

“Some ways for an athlete to avoid getting injured while playing are staying conditioned, eating healthy, and playing smart,” Ray said.

Avoiding injuries is vital, especially for athletes, and doing these little things can prevent a player from getting hurt.

“Some [injuries] can be avoided just by being in shape and stretching,” Combs said. “And sometimes just pushing through it because it may not be anything at all, but if you “baby” it, it will just hurt yourself more.”