Tips on How to Avoid Winter Sports Injuries

During the winter season, there are a lot of sports activities to enjoy. Yet this is also a time where there are a high incident of fatal-sports related accidents. Here are some facts about winter soprts injuries from National Electronic Injury Surveillance System of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

CPSC Winter Head/Neck Injury Statistics (Estimated)

2007 Head Injuries

Snow Boarding: 6,681
Sleds: 5,701
Ice Hockey: 5,483
Snow Skiing: 3,738
Ice Skating: 3,703
Snowmobiles: 578
Snow Tubing: 542
Toboggans: 126

2007 Neck Injuries

Snow Skiing: 1,385
Snow Boarding: 1,197
Ice Hockey: 649
Sleds: 615
Snowmobiles: 464
Snow Tubing: 84
Ice Skating: 48

Here are some ways and tips on how to avoid winter-sports related injuries:
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) offers this advice: Don’t risk your neck for that fleeting moment of fun, because it takes only one moment for a life to change forever. Wear a helmet and follow other safety precautions to help put a freeze on winter sports injuries.

- Use protective head gear that is approved by the ASTM for a particular winter sports
- Wear appropriate gear or clothing
- Avoid participating in sports if you are under the influence of alcohol, ill or tired.
- Do not participate in outdoor sports when the weather conditions pose a serious hazard.
- Drive snowmobiles safely and slowly
- Ice skate only in areas designated for skating, and be sure to check the ice for cracks and debris.
-Use only sleds that can be steered, and never go down a slope head first.
- Follow all posted signs and warnings on ski slopes, sledding hills and ice skating rinks.

Engaging in winter sports is definitely fun but don't forget to practice safety precautions tp avoid injuries.



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