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Winter is coming! It’s a time for fun, merrymaking, and endless seasonal outdoor activities, from snowmobiling, skating, skiing to sledding. But with the excitement that characterizes winter comes the risk of unexpected injuries.
Winter Hazards
The slippery and precarious conditions are a gateway for disaster if the right preventive measures and health tips are not observed. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, roughly 200,000 people visited healthcare facilities in 2018 due to winter-related injuries.
Some of the most common winter injuries include fractures, strains, sprains, dislocations, back injuries, concussions, superficial bumps, and bruises. While some of these winter sports injuries are unexpected and relatively unavoidable, a few health tips and safety precautions can go a long way to mitigate the risk significantly.
Injury Prevention Tips
Below are a few ways to avoid winter sports injuries:
Don’t Skimp on Clothing and Equipment: Dressing appropriately for the season and sport is essential in preventing injurious scenarios. The right clothing should be warm (but not excessively to cause overheating), not restrict movement, and offer support, including using all safety and sport-specific equipment like helmets, ski poles, and footwear.
Get in Shape and Understand Physical Limits/Experience Level: Most outdoor winter activities require a certain minimum fitness level. It’s essential to exercise pre-season and understand experience levels. Know your body and skill limitations, and don’t overextend.
Familiarize with the Area: If it’s the first time in a new winter sports destination, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the area to avoid unexpected but avoidable risks.
Follow the Best Practices: Whether it’s skiing, sledding, or snowboarding, there are rules (e.g., recommended trails or specific restrictions) that are enforced for a reason. Follow them to avoid injuries. Additionally, professional instructors can help teach people the best techniques and stances to prevent falls—or fall correctly to avoid injuries.
Be Prepared and Have Fun
Don’t get complacent during the winter. Tons of risks come with winter sports. The best thing you can do for your body and health is to dress correctly, stay alert, stay healthy, stay fit, and you should have fun through the winter season without an emergency visit to the doctor’s office.
The health tips and safety precautions discussed in this article should help reduce the risk of winter-related injuries. A knowledgeable and skilled chiropractor can help you maintain a healthy body and assess an injury’s severity and recommend an effective treatment.
Contact Preston Family Chiropractic
Experts at Preston Family Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Cary, NC, can help restore your range of motion and reduce discomfort—allowing you to enjoy winter sports. Call us today at (919) 238-5040 or schedule an appointment for more on winter safety precautions and injury treatment.
