Ready to go to restart sports? Here are the six things we must do

Dr. Gregory Charlop shares the secret... How to save sports

Ready to go to restart sports? Here are the six things we must do

If you’re anything like me, you’re itching to go to a ballgame. But, is it wise? According to the Texas Medical Association, attending in-person sporting events is riskier than flying in an airplane, shopping in the mall, or going to the movies.

How can we make our national pastimes like football, basketball, and baseball as safe as possible for fans and players? Here are the six keys to safe sports:

Sleep - Sleep boosts the immune system and likely reduces the risk of coronavirus infection. Players and fans should have at least 7-8 hours of high-quality shuteye. Don’t stay up late before the game! Coaches should avoid early-morning practice to protect players’ sleep. Leagues should minimize traveling across time zones to combat jetlag and reduce player sleep disruption.

Diet - Players and fans should eat a diet rich in foods and supplements that boost the immune system and help protect against viral illnesses. In addition to a usual healthy diet full of veggies, nuts, and fish, folks should intentionally add zinc, aged garlic, and probiotics to their daily diets.

Outdoor Stadiums - The risk of viral transmission is much lower outdoors than indoors. Fresh air and sunshine reduce your danger in case someone near you has the virus. If possible, I recommend all games be played outside. Stadiums should never be at capacity to allow for space between fans. Finally, we should be cautious about selling alcohol at sporting events because drunk fans are less likely to practice social distancing.

Personal protective measures - Fans and players must frequently wash and alcohol their hands. Fans should bring alcohol-based hand gel to games and stadiums should install dispensers throughout the ballpark. Fans should wear masks. Masks protect those around you, and they reduce your risk of catching COVID in case your neighbor has it. When possible, players should have helmets designed to minimize splatter from coughing or heavy breathing.

Frequent testing for players - Close-contact sports like football and basketball have a high-risk of transmission between players. Leagues must regularly test players who may have the disease but not show symptoms.

Be smart - Stay home if you’re sick. Don’t attend games if you’re in a high-risk group. The elderly and people with chronic medical conditions should skip out on stadiums and enjoy sports from home.

It's our responsibility to do everything we can to protect the players and the fans. Now, let's go out there and enjoy some fun in the sun!