Local pediatrician encouraging kids to get active, return to sports safely

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – As the weather warms up, families may start thinking about getting outside and getting active. For some kids, that means playing sports which a local pediatrician believes can be done safely with precautions.

Dr. Jeffrey Britton at Aurora Children’s Health Sheboygan says he’s seen a trend in weight gain and mental health concerns among kids over the last year.

“This is something I’ve been worried about for months,” he explained.

Britton said because of virtual learning, many kids are not moving as much as they would at school and he hopes that begins to change.

“I’m glad it’s getting warm out. It’s really important for all of the kids to be getting outside and playing and staying active,” he said.

When it comes to organized sports, Britton believes it can be done with changes. He said outdoor individual sports are the safest, but outdoor team sports can also be played.

“For the most part the same principles we’ve been following all along are the ones that we’re going to follow,” he said. “Social distancing when you can and not sharing water bottles or cups. Probably not having a group potluck at halftime or after the game, coming in separate vehicles and not all carpooling to one place.”

Britton said with team sports people should wear masks. He also said it is extremely important for kids and teens who had COVID-19, even months ago, to be cleared by a doctor before getting active.