#United States #Rosemont #Winter Safety #AAOS #joint health

Stay Safe This Winter: Tips to Prevent Injuries

As winter unfolds, its beauty often comes hand in hand with challenges that can lead to a rise in bone and joint injuries. Everyday activities can quickly turn hazardous due to slippery conditions, temperature fluctuations, and the frantic pace of the holiday season. To help individuals navigate these risks, Dr. Alexander P. Sah, an orthopaedic surgeon and spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), shares crucial advice to ensure safety while enjoying winter.

Importance of Winter Activity

Engaging in outdoor winter sports and activities is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health and overall wellness. However, it is vital to acknowledge that these activities carry specific risks that must not be overlooked. Hospital admissions for injuries related to winter activities spike each year, largely due to negligence or lack of preparation. With the right strategies in place, many of these injuries can be avoided.

Top Six Tips to Protect Yourself This Winter

1. Shovel Smart to Protect Your Back

Snow shoveling is a common winter chore, but it can lead to serious lifting injuries. To minimize the risk, bend at your knees rather than your waist when lifting snow. Use your legs as your primary strength source and avoid twisting your back while shoveling. If necessary, make small, manageable piles of snow instead of trying to lift heavy loads at once.

2. Decorate Safely

Holiday decorations can enhance your home but also present fall hazards. When climbing ladders for decorating, always ensure that you have a partner close by for safety. Choose stable, flat surfaces when setting up your ladder, and give children age-appropriate tasks under careful supervision to keep them safe.

3. Follow Directions When Riding Toys

With the increase in popularity of micromobility devices like e-scooters, hoverboards, and e-bikes, injuries related to these gadgets are on the rise. To keep children safe, provide toys suitable for their age and ensure they understand critical safety practices. Always wear a helmet when riding, watch out for uneven ground, and follow weight limits for these devices.

4. Watch Your Step

Icy conditions can be detrimental, particularly for older adults as they can be prone to falls. It’s estimated that around 1 million individuals in the U.S. suffer injuries from slipping on ice each year. Wearing shoes with excellent traction and considering additional ice grips can significantly reduce the risk of slips and falls.

5. Stay Active, Stay Safe

With skiing and snowboarding season approaching, it’s vital to be mindful of common injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. When skiing, keep your arms in front and align your hips over your knees. This positioning can prevent falls and reduce the chances of twisting or straining your knee.

6. Practice Fire Safety

The warmth and comfort of a fire can come with risks. From open flames of candles and fireplaces to heat in the kitchen, it’s crucial to practice safety around these potential hazards. Keep children at a safe distance from hot surfaces and know how to treat minor burns. For serious burns, always seek immediate medical attention.

Conclusion

Winter doesn’t have to bring injuries alongside its beauty. Following these six simple safety tips can help ensure you and your family enjoy this season without unnecessary worries. For more information on keeping your bone and joint health in check this winter, visit OrthoInfo.org.

Stay safe, stay active, and embrace all that winter has to offer with the knowledge you need to protect yourself and your family!