SEATTLE — As students head back to school and the fall sports season begins, there's growing recognition that athletic programs can do more than just build physical fitness. A local initiative is using sports to teach young people crucial mental health and coping skills.

Preparing for life's inevitable challenges starts at a young age. In a fast-paced world often propelled by social media, taking care of mental health is as important as ever.

"Really thinking about, how do you manage stress, how do you get through a stressful moment, how do you deal with big, emotional challenges?" said Dr. Sara Chrisman, a pediatrician and professor of adolescent medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Dr. Chrisman is part of an innovative program based at the UW's Sports Institut

See Full Page