(ARA) – Winter is a season when thousands of people end up in the emergency room for injuries suffered during winter sports and outdoor activities. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) offers a few important safety tips so you can safely enjoy the season.    

”We participate in different activities during this season than we do during the rest of the year. Skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling are fun sports but are not without some risks. Seemingly simple activities like walking outside to get your mail can be a disaster if there is ice on the ground,” says Rachel Rohde, MD, spokesperson for the AAOS and orthopaedic surgeon.  

Before you lace up your ice skates or bring that snowblower out of the garage to clear the driveway, the AAOS recommends the following tips for a safe season:

Winter Sports

* Wear appropriate protective gear including goggles, helmets, gloves and padding.

* Warm up your muscles with light exercise for 10 minutes before starting your main activity. Remember to replenish fluids to prevent dehydration.

* Pay attention to the rules. Make sure all your equipment is in good working order and that you’re using it properly. If you’ve never participated in a sport before (such as skiing) take a lesson or two from a qualified instructor. Learn how to fall properly to reduce the risk of injury.

Snow and Ice

* Talk with your doctor before clearing the driveway and sidewalk of snow if you have heart or vascular conditions. Whether you use a snow blower or shovel, this heavy activity in bad weather can be very taxing on your body, particularly your heart.

* Never stick your hands in a snow blower. If snow becomes impacted in the machine, stop the engine and wait more than five seconds. Use a solid object to clear wet snow or debris from the chute.  The snowblower blade is on tension and usually spins at least one more time once an obstruction is cleared; keep your hands and feet out of the way of that spin!

* Clear snow early and often. Begin when a light covering of snow is on the ground to avoid shoveling heavy, packed snow. Do not throw snow over your shoulder or to the side. This requires a twisting motion that places stress on your back.

*Make sure you use salt or an alternative “de-icer” on the driveway, walkways, and porch, if necessary.  A small patch of ice can result in a big injury.

* Wear proper footwear and pay attention to what’s in front of you. Ice can cause sudden and serious falls. If you find yourself falling, try to fall on your side or rear. Roll over naturally, turning your head in the direction of the roll.

* Drive cautiously. Allow plenty of time to brake as you approach stop signs and red lights and reduce your speed in hazardous conditions.

For more information on how to stay safe during winter, visit www.orthoinfo.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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