Health Tip: Winter Sports Safety
(HealthDay News) -- Sports such as skiing, snowboarding and ice skating can sometimes lead to sprains, dislocations and fractures.
In fact, some 200,000 people are treated for winter sports-related injuries every year, says the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
To avoid hurting yourself, the academy suggests:
- Never engage in a winter sport alone.
- Keep in shape and warm up sufficiently.
- Wear appropriate protective gear and layers of water-resistant clothing.
- Check that equipment is working before use.
- Take lessons from a qualified instructor.
- Drink plenty of water before, during and after the sport.
- Be aware of how to get help if frostbite or hypothermia occur.
- Pay attention to weather updates and storm warnings.
- Abide by all rules of the sport.
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