Ryan loves to play basketball. When he tested positive for COVID-19, he and his parents thought he would just do the mandatory quarantine, then he’d get medically cleared to play and be back on the court.
However, after recent studies showed a connection between COVID-19 and a heart condition called myocarditis, Ryan had to first go through a “return to play” protocol including an EKG, an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) and blood tests. These tests may have saved Ryan’s life.
Watch this video to learn more from Deepa Prasad, MD, a pediatric cardiologist at Banner Health in Arizona, about myocarditis and its potential risk for young athletes.
Amy Jo Overlin, MD, an orthopedic sports specialist at Banner – University Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute, explains the various testing protocols based on your child’s symptoms and the severity of COVID-19 infection. Watch her interview about the return to play protocol.
Is your child about to start or return to sports? Visit bannerhealth.com to schedule a pre-participation physical to ensure your child is ready to play.
For more information about keeping your child safe and healthy while playing sports, check out these articles:
- Is My Child's Sport a Concussion Risk?
- Kids and Sports: Preventing Overuse Injuries
- Beware of Sun Exposure on the Field
- Winning Tips for Preventing Little League Elbow in Your Pitchers
