Article Category: Highlights

Help Your Student Athlete Kick Off the Season Strong

Published on July 22, 2026

Last updated 01:09 PM July 22, 2026

Wellstar is here to help young athletes feel and perform their best. From sports physicals to start the season strong to treating injuries, our care teams specialize in providing expert, kid-centered care for your child.

Kick off the season with a sports physical

Schedule your child’s sports physical before game day arrives. Their care team will check their heart, lungs and overall health so they can feel their best on and off the field.

“Sports physicals are important to screen for any underlying conditions that might put your child at increased risk versus some of their peers,” said Dr. Eric Berg, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia medical director of pediatric surgical services. “It's one of the easiest ways to catch potential issues before kids hit the field. A little preparation now can help prevent injuries later.”

Schedule a sports physical with your child’s pediatrician. You can also visit Wellstar Urgent Care, which takes walk-ins and offers online scheduling.

Take time for rest and hydration

For optimal performance in sports, young athletes need to fuel their bodies—and take breaks when needed.It’s recommended that student athletes consume up to 20 ounces of fluid one hour before an activity and 5 ounces every 15 minutes during the activity.

“Proper nutrition and hydration are critical for all students, but particularly for athletes who are more active and burning more calories,” said Dr. Lindsay Stephenson, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia pediatric orthopedic surgeon. “I recommend using the nutritional guide released by the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America. This information makes it easier for students and their parents to understand the nutritional needs of the body to perform in the classroom and during competition.”

Read the nutritional guidelines.

Children also need to incorporate rest into their routine so they don’t overtrain. Kids often enjoy playing with family and friends, and they may not realize they need to take a break, according to Dr. Natalie Witte, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia sports medicine physician.

“They may be more sore than they are normally and not recovering,” Dr. Witte said. “If they’re not hungry after training, they might be so depleted that they’re nauseous or dizzy.”

If your child isn’t feeling well, your family’s pediatrician or sports medicine specialist can evaluate them for injury or illness so they can get back to their favorite activities sooner.

Back-to-school check list

Teaching your child healthy habits now will help them feel their best throughout the school year and beyond.

Check in for a check-up.

Preventative check-ups and screenings help kids stay ahead of health issues. During an annual wellness visit, our pediatricians will ensure your child is up to date on their vaccinations and talk to you about which immunizations are recommended to prevent disease. They will also help you navigate school health requirements.

“We believe in treating the whole child. What I mean by that is, of course, their physical health is very important, but we also feel that their emotional health is very important,” said Wellstar Children’s of Georgia Pediatrician Dr. Brandi Lewis. “Our goal is for all our patients to be resilient, happy and healthy.”

Eat healthy.

Teach children about good nutrition by encouraging them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and limiting sugary drinks and snacks. When kids head back to school, keep them on the right track with healthy after-school snacks.

Stay hydrated and keep cool.

Make sure kids drink plenty of water to help their bodies regulate temperature. Summer athletes should drink up to 20 ounces before practice and 5 ounces every 15 minutes during the activity. On especially hot days, it’s also important to remind your children about moderation: They should take frequent breaks in shady areas, and make sure they don’t push themselves too hard.

“Kids can become dehydrated faster than adults,” said Dr. Eric Berg, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia medical director of pediatric surgical services. “If they’re already thirsty, they may already be mildly dehydrated.”

Move your body.

Children should have around 30 to 60 minutes of moderate activity every day. Staying active can be a fun family activity—ride bikes, play tag or go for a walk.

Get sports-ready.

Schedule your child’s sports physical before game day arrives. Their care team will check their heart, lungs and overall health so they can feel their best on and off the field.

“Sports physicals are important to screen for any underlying conditions that might put your child at increased risk versus some of their peers,” Dr. Berg said.

Catch some z’s.

Kids 3 to 5 years old should get about 10 to 13 hours of sleep a day. Children 6 to 12 years old should get nine to 12 hours, and teens need about 8 to 10 hours.

Practice good hygiene.

Show children how to wash their hands properly and remind them to do it frequently. Do not send your children to school if they are sick.

Wear backpacks properly.

Kids' backpacks should not weigh more than 10 to 15% of their body weight. For example, if your child weighs 60 pounds, their backpack should be under 6 to 9 pounds.

“A poorly fitted or overloaded backpack can place extra strain on a growing child's back, neck and shoulders,” said Wellstar Children’s of Georgia Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Albert Pendleton. “Watch for signs like shoulder pain, red strap marks or leaning forward while walking.”

Understand your emotions.

Emotional well-being is as important as physical health, and the new school year comes with a lot of change for kids. Help your child understand their feelings and how to cope by listening and validating their thoughts, talking through expectations, visiting their school and new classrooms, and looking ahead to what the year could be like.

With more than 80 pediatric locations across Georgia, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia is always here to support families through the big leaps, growing pains and everything in between. Find a pediatrician near you and book your child’s back-to-school exam so they can start the year strong.

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Highlights

When and Why to Visit the Pediatric Emergency Department

When your child experiences a medical emergency, you want them to have the care they need right away. At the five Wellstar Pediatric Emergency Departments (ED) at Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital of Georgia and Wellstar Cobb, Wellstar Douglas, Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Paulding Medical Centers, you’ll find expert treatment designed just for kids.

Why visit a Pediatric Emergency Department?

“We have a common saying in pediatric emergency medicine that ‘children aren’t just little adults.’ Children’s bodies and the health problems that affect them are very different from adults,” said Pediatric Emergency Physician Dr. Christopher Graves. “When you visit a pediatric ED, you can trust that your child is receiving age-appropriate evaluation and care.”

This can often mean finding a diagnosis through physical examinations and a thorough patient history with less reliance on invasive testing. When testing is needed, rest assured that your child’s care team has training in pediatric medicine and knows what tests and medications are needed to keep your child safe.

When should you go to the pediatric ED?

“If you feel your child is experiencing a life-threatening symptom such as trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, severe allergic reaction or bleeding that's hard to control, you should go to the ED or call 911. Remember to talk with your child's provider during your visits about when you should worry,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Sandra Rodriguez-Sfeir. “Some things are age-specific—like a temperature at 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above in a baby under 2 months absolutely needs to go to the ED. Don't wait to see your pediatrician in the morning.”

There may also be urgent care centers in your area. Urgent care can be a great option for non-life-threatening conditions such as common colds, mild flu-like symptoms or earaches. Read more about where to go when your child isn’t feeling well.

“Some families struggle to decide whether they should go to an ED or urgent care. I have always told families—you are never wrong to come to a pediatric ED,” Dr. Graves said. “If you are worried about the life or safety of your child, you’ve come to the right place.”

Introducing your pediatric ED team

When you come to a pediatric ED, you will meet healthcare providers who have chosen to make children their focus. Our care teams know that children have unique needs based on their social and emotional development. Pediatric ED doctors, nurses and advanced practice providers have years of experience working with children, and they have learned how to approach children in a way that reduces their anxiety and fear. Acts as simple as examining a stuffed animal or blowing up a glove into a balloon can turn a crying child into a smiling child.

Doctors are only one part of the team. Pediatric ED nurses have expertise in administering medications, placing IVs and performing other bedside procedures. When these types of interventions are needed, you can trust that the nurses, medics and ED techs who help with these processes have abundant experience.

“Children are special and should be treated by nurses that specialize in their care. Emergency rooms can be a scary place for children and families,” said Jacqueline Rimer, a Wellstar pediatric emergency department nurse. “Wellstar pediatric nurses combine compassion and expertise to create an environment that reduces fear and anxiety while also providing quality, specialized care children and families deserve.”

Our child life specialists are trained to work directly with children and families to offer education, emotional support and distraction during procedures. Coming to the pediatric ED is tough for many kids, but having the right team can make things a little easier. That makes all the difference.

Find a Pediatric Emergency Department near you.

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Highlights

Aging Gracefully: Knowing When It’s Time for a Joint Replacement

For many of us, the golden years are a time to look forward to—an opportunity to travel, spend time in the garden, play with grandchildren or finally perfect our golf swing. However, chronic joint pain can quickly turn these anticipated moments into daily struggles. When a stiff hip makes getting out of the car an ordeal or a throbbing knee turns a simple walk around the neighborhood into a painful chore, it significantly impacts your quality of life.

It’s a common misconception that severe joint pain is an inevitable part of getting older that must be endured. While wear-and-tear on our bodies is natural, living in constant discomfort is not. Fortunately, modern orthopedic advancements offer powerful solutions, including total hip and knee replacements, to help you reclaim your mobility and independence. But how do you know when it is time to move past temporary fixes and consider a joint replacement?

Recognizing the warning signs

In the early stages of joint degradation—often caused by osteoarthritis—minor lifestyle adjustments, over-the-counter pain relievers or occasional ice packs might keep the discomfort at bay. However, as the cartilage that cushions your joints wears away, the bone-on-bone friction can worsen.

It may be time to consult an orthopedic specialist if you experience any of the following:

Severe pain during everyday activities: If walking, bending down or climbing stairs causes significant distress, your joint health is actively limiting your daily life.
Pain that disrupts your sleep: Waking up in the night due to a throbbing hip or knee is a strong indicator that the inflammation has become severe.
Rest and medication no longer offer relief: If physical therapy, cortisone injections and anti-inflammatory medications are no longer moving the needle, the joint may be structurally compromised.
A noticeable loss of mobility or chronic stiffness: Finding it difficult to put on your shoes, cross your legs or fully straighten your knee suggests advanced joint deterioration.

Modern approach to care

Deciding to undergo a joint replacement is a significant milestone, but it is important to know that the procedure has evolved dramatically over the last decade. Today, hip and knee replacements are among the most reliable and successful surgeries performed in medicine.

Thanks to advancements in surgical techniques, specialized instrumentation and personalized digital planning, modern joint replacements are highly precise. Surgeons can precisely match the implant to your unique anatomy. For patients, this translates to less tissue disruption, reduced post-operative pain and a much smoother rehabilitation process.

The philosophy surrounding recovery has also shifted. We no longer expect patients to spend weeks confined to a hospital bed. In fact, most patients are up and walking with the assistance of physical therapy the very same day as their surgery. Many joint replacements are now performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to recover in the comfort of their own homes.

Reclaiming your active lifestyle

The ultimate goal of a hip or knee replacement is not just to alleviate pain, but to restore your freedom. Within a few months of dedicated physical therapy, the vast majority of patients find themselves doing things they haven’t been able to do comfortably in years. Whether that means returning to low-impact sports, traveling without worrying about the walk through the airport or simply playing on the floor with family, the transformation can be profound.

If chronic knee or hip pain is forcing you to sit on the sidelines of your own life, remember that you have options. Surgery is rarely the first step, but when conservative treatments fall short, a joint replacement can be the key to turning back the clock on your mobility.

You don't have to manage severe pain alone. Take the first step by speaking with an orthopedic specialist to evaluate your joints, discuss your goals and design a personalized treatment plan that helps you age gracefully, actively and on your own terms.

Find an orthopedic surgeon in your community.

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Help Your Student Athlete Kick Off the Season Strong