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The summer fun can be out of this world …but it never lasts. With school just a few short weeks away, it’s time to let go of those vacation-y thoughts and start planning for the more structured time of the year.

One thing that often catches parents off guard is the need to prep for sports. Fall sports are an iconic part of the back-to-school vibe, but if you don’t get the right equipment, your kids can find themselves hurting or even injured.

The last thing you want to do is set your kid up to watch from the sidelines. With that in mind, here are a few easy-to-overlook details to help your blooming sports stars take their fledgling careers to the next level this fall.

Get a Good Water Bottle

Everything in life boils down to water in some way or another. Staying hydrated is important all of the time, too — but especially when you’re exercising.

Before your child heads out onto the field, take some time to associate yourself with different signs of dehydration, such as:

• Chills
• Clammy skin.
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath.

In addition, get your kid a good water bottle that helps them truly stay hydrated. It’s recommended to drink 17 to 20 ounces of water before exercising, 7 to 10 ounces of H2O while exercising, and 16 to 24 ounces of water afterward, too.

Of course, these are generic quantities, and things like gender, environment, age, and intensity all factor into the mix. Even so, the larger point still stands: get a big water bottle that can help your child go the distance.

Watch Out for the Sun

The weather may be getting cooler. But you still want to watch out for that pesky sunburn. In fact, even strong sun reflecting off of the snow can give you a burn, so keep your child’s skincare in mind while they’re training, playing, and competing.

It’s generally recommended that folks avoid the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. So, as much as you want your kids to drill and practice at home, try to encourage those activities in the early morning or after school.

When you can’t avoid the high-sun hours, make sure to have a good sun blocker handy. We recommend our Dr. Doug’s Miracle Balm + Zinc. Along with keeping the skin healthy, this topical utilizes zinc to create an effective barrier against those harmful UV rays. It’s safe to use and can even help with blisters, chafing, and other wound healing.

Invest in Recovery Skincare Solutions

At Dr. Doug’s we’re all about quality skincare — and no, we’re not talking about cosmetics. Our famous Miracle Balm and all of its derivative formulas are designed with functionality and quality of life in mind. (Even if they do smell incredible when going on, too!)  

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When it comes to sports, in particular, there are a couple of topicals that we suggest having on hand when the whistle blows and the games begin this fall:

• magnesium-balm"> Doug’s Magnesium Balm: Magnesium is a great way to address muscle cramps, soreness, and restless legs.
• Doug’s Recovery Balm: Our Recovery Balm adds Arnica Montana sunflower cream to the mix to help with bruising, swelling, soreness, and other aches and inflammation.

Each of these helps with muscle recovery and pain relief. They enable you to create an effective tool kit that can both prevent and manage pain from the sidelines.

Preparing for Fall Sports: Parent Style

It’s fun to root for your kids as they compete. As a parent, though, one of your biggest supporting roles comes through equipping your child to succeed.

From water to skin care, sun block to pain management, make sure you’re ready to help your child survive and thrive on the field this fall.