Sports Medicine 101: What Every Parent Should Know

Sports-related overuse injuries are on the rise among young athletes — sometimes affecting them for years to come. What's behind this trend, and how can we protect our kids during their critical growth years?
In this episode, Dr. Eve Glazier speaks with sports medicine specialist Dr. Marissa Vasquez about early recognition, proper management, and key prevention strategies. From the importance of playing multiple sports to allowing essential rest and recovery time, Dr. Vasquez shares practical tips to keep growing bodies healthy and strong.
She also explains when it's time to see a specialist, how to tell the difference between a minor injury and something more serious, and what we can learn from her work with both professional and recreational athletes of all ages.
Podcast Credits for UCLA Health Medically Speaking with Dr. Eve Glazier:
• Host: Dr. Eve Glazier
• Executive Producers: Annie Krasnow, Michael Burke
• Producers: Niki Miller, Jessica Alabastro
• Creative Producer: Kanza Shaheen
• Associate Producer: Jennifer Feld
• Technical Directors: Adrian Cardoso, Andrew Stocks
• Editor: Tony Sweet
• Recorded at: Canella Media
Special thanks to our expert guests and the incredible staff across UCLA Health who make this podcast possible. A special thank you to Johnese Spisso, President of UCLA Health and CEO of the UCLA Hospital System, for her visionary leadership and support. We are also grateful to the patients and families whose stories inspire our work every day.
Produced by: UCLA Health Communications & Marketing
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.