Little League season is here again. There are several measures that players, parents and coaches can take to decrease the risk of injury and ensure a fun and safe season. Many baseball injuries can be prevented with common sense and the use of proper equipment. 

A 10-year study conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission revealed 51 deaths resulting from Little League baseball. The majority of those deaths occurred as a result of blows to the head and chest. Batting helmets are required by Little League rules, however, to be effective, helmets must be padded and fit properly. 

Often, a team will have one or two helmets to share. However, if possible, I recommend you purchase the batting helmet for your child that fits him or her properly. Another vital piece of equipment that is often neglected is a chest protector. A direct blow to the chest can cause a "cardiac concussion." 

If this occurs, CPR is not normally able to resuscitate the child. Cardiac concussions from baseball result in one or two deaths annually. Worn usually only by the catcher, chest protectors should be worn by every child. A chest protector could save your child's life in the event of a direct blow to the chest. 

Breakaway bases are another piece of equipment that may help decrease the risk of injury. According to a recent medical study, sliding into base is the cause of 71 percent of all recreational baseball injuries. A breakaway base disengages when a runner slides into it. In the study previously mentioned, injuries were reduced by 90 percent when breakaway bases were used instead of traditional bases that did not yield to the slider. 

Before baseball begins, your child should have a pre-participation physical exam by a pediatrician or family doctor. Physicals are required at the high school level, but not most Little Leagues. A thorough exam may detect potential health problems that put your child at greater risk of injury. 

Certainly, coaches can help players prevent injuries. When children learn the proper hitting, throwing and sliding techniques, many problems can be avoided. Improper throwing mechanics can lead to shoulder and elbow pain. As with any physical activity, the importance of stretching and adequate warm-up cannot be stressed enough.