Gliding Through Winter Injury-Free

ROSEMONT, IL--(Marketwire - January 8, 2008) - For some, wintertime is an opportunity to stay inside with a blanket and a good book -- but for others, the season brings with it a whole new set of sports and outdoor activities for children and adults alike. Hockey, ice skating, sledding, skiing, snowboarding and other cold-weather activities are a great way to get some fresh air and exercise during those long, snowy months. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has some strategies to help prevent injuries while enjoying these pastimes.

"Cold temperatures and slippery surfaces combined with vigorous activity provide a lot of potential for injuries, especially in children," says orthopaedic surgeon Tim Johnson, MD. "However, the right clothing and protective gear ensures your warmth and safety so you don't miss out on the fun."

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2006:

--  Skiing was the leading cause of winter sports injuries, sending
    133,585 people to hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices, clinics and
    other medical settings.
--  Snowboarding came in second with 127,643 injuries.
--  Other sports and activities on the list include ice skating with
    55,666 injuries, ice hockey with 55,311, sledding and tobogganing with
    38,395 and snowmobiling with 20,390.
    

The Academy offers the following strategies to help prevent these winter sports injuries:

--  Cold muscles, tendons and ligaments are more susceptible to injury. Do
    some light exercise for at least 3 to 5 minutes, then slowly and gently
    stretch the muscles to be exercised, holding each stretch for at least 30
    seconds.
    
--  If you or your child take part in a formal sport such as figure
    skating, ensure that the activity is led by a trained coach.
    
--  Take frequent water breaks to prevent dehydration and overheating.
    
--  Avoid participating in sports when experiencing pain or exhaustion.
    
--  Never ski, sled, ice skate, snowmobile or snowboard alone.
    
--  Know and abide by all rules of the sport in which you are
    participating.
    
--  Wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles, helmets, gloves
    and padding, and make sure equipment is in good working order and used
    properly.
    
--  For warmth and protection, wear several layers of light, loose and
    water- and wind-resistant clothing. Layering allows you to add and remove
    clothing to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature when
    outside or in a cold environment such as an indoor ice rink.
    
--  Wear proper footwear that provides warmth and dryness, as well as
    ample ankle support.
    
--  When falling, try to fall on your side or buttocks. Roll over
    naturally, turning your head in the direction of the roll.
    
--  Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in
    temperature to ensure safety.
    
--  Become familiar with the whereabouts of fences, trees, rocks, open
    water and patches of ice. Stay on marked trails and avoid potential
    avalanche areas, such as steep hillsides with little vegetation.
    
--  Be prepared for emergency situations and have a plan to reach medical
    personnel to treat injuries.
    

Finally, sports should always be fun. A "win at all costs" attitude can lead to injuries, because it can cause a participant (particularly a child) to ignore the warning signs of injury and continue to play with pain.

More information on exercise- and sports-related injury prevention: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=147&topcategory=Sports%20%2F%20Exercise

About AAOS:

www.aaos.org/about/about.asp

To view this release online, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2008/aaos010808_2/index.html

Contact Information: For more information, contact: Lauren Pearson 847/384-4031 Catherine Dolf 847/384-4034