Health Tip: Protect Against Sports Injuries

(HealthDay News) -- Sports are fun and a great way to exercise, but you can get hurt if you don't take precautions.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests how to reduce your risk of sports injuries:

• Get a complete physical exam before you begin playing any sport.
• Wear the proper shoes, equipment and other gear for your particular sport.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Warm up before you play.
• Practice regular, gentle stretching.
• Allow yourself to recover from an injury before resuming your sport.