The Female Athlete Triad.

The number of girls participating in sports has increased significantly since the introduction of Title XI in 1972. As a result, more girls have been able to experience the social, educational, and health-related benefits of sports participation. However, there are risks associated with sports participation, including the female athlete triad. The triad was originally recognized as the interrelationship of amenorrhea, osteoporosis, and disordered eating, but our understanding has evolved to recognize that each of the components of the triad exists on a spectrum from optimal health to disease. The triad occurs when energy intake does not adequately compensate for exercise-related energy expenditure, leading to adverse effects on reproductive, bone, and cardiovascular health. Athletes can present with a single component or any combination of the components. The triad can have a more significant effect on the health of adolescent athletes than on adults because adolescence is a critical time for bone mass accumulation. This report outlines the current state of knowledge on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the triad conditions.

Approach to the Underperforming Athlete.

Children and adolescents who participate in intense sports training may face physical and psychologic stresses. The pediatric health care provider can play an important role in monitoring an athlete's preparation by obtaining a proper sports history, assessing sleep hygiene, discussing nutrition and hydration guidelines, and evaluating physiologic causes of fatigue. Educating parents and athletes on the potential risks of high-intensity training, inadequate rest and sleep, and a poor diet may improve the athlete's performance and prevent symptoms of overtraining syndrome. Infectious mononucleosis must also be considered a cause of fatigue among adolescents. The signs and symptoms of overtraining and burnout are discussed in this article.

Practical exercise advice during pregnancy: guidelines for active and inactive women.

Many women enjoy regular exercise as a part of a healthy lifestyle and may wish to continue exercising after they become pregnant. Some previously sedentary women may want to start an exercise program during pregnancy. Primary care and sports medicine physicians should understand the contraindications (eg, hypertension, diabetes, placenta previa, preeclampsia) and the concerns about exercise during pregnancy (eg, fetal nutrition, risk of preterm labor) and be able to offer reasonable guidelines to women who wish to start or continue exercise during pregnancy. Most non-weight-bearing exercises (eg, swimming, stationary bicycling) and walking are safe for pregnant women, beginning with 15 minutes of exercise three times a week and progressing as tolerated.

Patient adviser exercising for two: steps for a healthy, active pregnancy.

Staying healthy is important at any stage of life, but especially while you are pregnant. You want to give your baby the best possible start by eating right, not smoking, getting enough rest, and exercising.