Health and Lifestyle
Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada are committed to a safe and fun environment for all participants to enjoy the game. Because of the nature of the game of hockey – the skills, the pace, and the playing area, injuries can occur from time to time. The impact of these unfortunate occurrences can be minimized by taking the proper steps to prevent, recognize, and manage injuries effectively. This includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, sleep habits and training.
Healthy nutrition is a critical part of your child’s development — as part of the Parent Engagement series, Dr. Dhiren J. Naidu discusses the importance of nutrition for athletes below.
Nutrition for your child is paramount in their success out on on the ice, and their nutritional goals may vary by age, size and activity. Tips provided by Hockey Alberta are not the direct advice of a doctor or nutritionist. Contact a nutritionist if you have questions or concerns about what your child is eating or should be eating for a better lifestyle.
Any parent who has picked up their child the morning after a sleepover knows that nothing can ruin their day (and yours) like lack of sleep. Sleep hygiene is part of a healthy lifestyle and sets your child up to be at their best at home, at school, and at the hockey rink. Here are a few tips to help your child get into a sleep routine.
- Set your child’s internal clock. Aim to wake up and go to sleep at the same times every day, even on weekends.
- Cue bedtime with a consistent routine. Create a nightly routine with lots of down-time to help kids switch to sleep mode.
- Check your child’s environment for sleep disruptors. Make sure children’s rooms are not too hot, loud, or too light. Excessive heat, noise, and brightness make it difficult to sleep.
- Physical activity during the day means more sleep at night. Keep your child active during the day (but not right before bed). Physical activity helps kids fall asleep faster, stay asleep, and sleep better.
- Keep kids’ night time food intake nutritious and appropriately filling. Make sure kids aren’t too hungry or too full right before bed. Avoid eating after 7 P.M. whenever possible.
- Skip the nap. Avoid napping during the day for kids older than 5 years old.
