Interesting. That is why I like Osgood-Schlatter's or Sever's. I can tell them, hey, play all you want. Let pain be your guide, but it will get better if you stop for a while or choose a sport that lets you run on grass.
But, I had a female in high school who was rated the number one soccer player on the best team in the state. She suffered an ACL tear and needed surgery. I and the orthopedist advised to take a year off, but she just wouldn't do it. Ended up with four surgeries and didn't get to play in college. Delayed gratification is tough for a 15 yo. That is where the parents come into play. Plus, when you are that good of an athlete, you can play most sports and be successful like swimming.
Had one kid with a very loud heartbeat and got an EKG. Super large waves. I just told them to at least wait for cardiology to get an Echo. But, he had to play in the playoffs. Turned out he did have Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He made it through the 800 and mile, but why risk it.
I am with you on the advice. Maybe I sound cruel, but I don't say much about their smoking or weight. I will refer to the WOW program for weight, because it has been shown to work, but it is obvious that neither they nor their parents care to work on it. I am not saying that some kids have a much tougher issue with weight; I just think they become frustrated with me for bringing it up. I just show them their growth chart and leave it at that. I have read that bringing up smoking is helpful. I just don't see it. Once they want the nicotine patch, I will help them.
