Aflac Sports Safety Tips and the Ultimate College Football Experience Sweepstakes {#AflacSweeps}

While my kids seem to have received many of my husband's good qualities (e.g. intelligence and caring) as well as a few genes of mine that I was happy to pass on (e.g. good teeth and an inner drive to never give up), I'm still trying to figure out where their lack of coordination came from.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not expecting either one to compete in the Olympics or make a career out of their favorite sport, but is it too much to ask that they not hurt themselves by walking into the wall? Or falling off of the couch? Or tripping on air?

Therefore, as much as I love encouraging my kids and enrolling them in all sorts of classes, activities and sports so that they have the chance to discover where their passions may be, it's nearly impossible for me to not constantly worry about their safety. I'm telling you, the possibilities when it comes to the injuries or illnesses that they might end up with are endless!

Fortunately, there are companies like Aflac that understand the stress that parents like me experience. Through their Sports Safety Tips, Accident Insurance Policy and more, they make it easier to relax and know that no matter what, they will be there to help keep families from getting sidelined all season long.

Is there anyone unfamiliar with Aflac? This Fortune 500 company provides individual and group voluntary insurance products that help deliver protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. For nearly six decades, Aflac insurance policies have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress.

Therefore, when it comes to putting parents' minds at ease, Aflac knows that accidents happen and wants to make sure that families everywhere are covered with supplemental insurance to help ease the financial stress. Without health insurance, the average cost to treat a broken leg is over $10,000, so now imagine the cost of a serious back injury!

On the other hand, supplemental insurance can help cover all sorts of expenses that may not be fully covered by major medical insurance, such as broken teeth, concussions, emergency room visits and lacerations.

Of course I don't want to think of either of my children getting hurt in these or any other manner, but combining their natural clumsiness with the inherent dangers that occur in any sport or activity and it just makes sense to be prepared!

Little Sister B, soccer star.

Along with offering voluntary insurance plans to help provide peace of mind and cash benefits, Aflac's Sports Safety Tips for football are important lessons for all ages and all sports.

To help children learn how to keep things as safe as possible, pass along these great tips:

Wear your gear! Even though some equipment may look optional, it is important to wear all necessary pads and safety gear each time you play.

Follow the rules. In the heat of the moment it is easy to forget, but there is a reason why there are actions that are illegal - they can be very dangerous to the player and their opponents.

Listen to your body. If at any point you feel pain or discomfort while playing, notify your coach and get out of the game. While sitting on the sidelines is one of the most difficult situations a player can face, pushing through injuries increases the severity and keeps you out of action longer.

Follow the doctor's orders. Always listen to your doctor's suggestions and advice on when you can return to any activities following an injury and what you can do to stay fit and rehab the injury in the meantime.

Is that an elbow being thrown? I'm not sure that's legal!

Speaking of Aflac and their love of sports, they are currently running a season-long football campaign – which includes the Aflac Duck's new commercial as well as a partnership with the Heisman Trophy – that you're going to want to enter: the Ultimate College Football Experience Sweepstakes!

If you are the ultimate college football fan then this #AflacSweeps is for you! Three lucky fans will win a trip for two (including round trip airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation and a $500 prepaid debit card), a pair of tickets to one of three college football games in November, a chance to meet Desmond Howard and more. Winners will be announced Oct 28th, Nov 4th and Nov 11th, so be sure to enter once every 24 hours on Facebook (for bonus entries, share on Twitter)*!

Desmond Howard and the Aflac Duck!

Ready to find out more about Aflac and everything that they have to offer? Head over to Aflac.com and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

How do you help your children stay safe while involved in sports and activities?


*CONSUMER NOTICE: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. Open to legal permanent residents of 50 U.S. states and DC, 21 or older, who have Internet access and valid email address prior to 08/28/14. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds and prize descriptions, click here: https://www.facebook.com/aflacduck/app_143103275748075. This sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Twitter. For a winner's list (after 11/10/14), visit the Ultimate College Football Experience tab of this page or mail request to Aflac "Ultimate College Football Experience" (Specify Winner List), Media Relations, 1932 Wynnton Road, Columbus, GA 31999. Sponsor: American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.