Outdoor activities can be an excellent way to get some fresh air and exercise during the long chilly winter months; however the cold temperatures and icy surfaces can also lead to more injuries. The following is a list of tips to help you have fun while minimizing your risk of injury while enjoying winter sports such as skiing, skating, hockey, sledding and even shoveling.
Tip #1: Cold muscles are more injury prone, so a short warm up prior to activity is important. Start with some light exercises, followed by gentle stretching. Make sure to hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds.
Tip #2: Become familiar with your surroundings. Know the whereabouts of fences, trees, rocks, open water and ice patches so they can be avoided. Slippery surfaces are particularly troublesome as they can cause jarring movements.
Tip #3: Stop when your body tells you to (the vast majority of injuries are sustained when the individual is tired from having participated in the activity for too long a period of time without resting). Avoid participating in winter sports if you are experiencing a lot of pain or are overtired.
Tip #4: Remember to hydrate. We tend to think that dehydration only occurs in the summer months, or when the weather is hot but dehydration can also occur in the winter months with strenuous activities.
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If you, a friend or family member experiences pain or injury and requires medical assistance, please contact us to schedule an appointment at 732-431-2155.
