Keeping Female Athletes Safe: A New Approach to Injury Prevention

Female athletes are stepping up in sports, but they're also facing more injuries. A group of experts, led by Kay Crossley, has come up with a plan to change that. They say it's not just about physical safety. It's also about creating a supportive environment. The experts looked at over 600 studies and talked to athletes. They found that body shaming and outdated ideas about how women should look or act can increase injury risk. So, they recommend creating safe spaces free from these harmful attitudes. The team also suggests addressing gender-based harassment and abuse. They want to raise awareness about female-specific health issues like menstruation, pregnancy, and bone health. They even want to talk about breast care. These are things that often get overlooked. The experts also want more research on female athletes. They say this will help understand the unique risks they face. They want to make sure the recommendations work for everyone, no matter where they are or what their background is. The recommendations include things like mandatory warm-ups and using protective gear. But they also go beyond that. They want to tackle social and cultural biases that might hold women back in sports.