Health Tip: Participating in Winter Sports

(HealthDay News) -- Skiers and others who don't mind braving the cold for that "winter rush" can benefit from a few safety precautions, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says.

The academy offers these suggestions for how to stay safe:

Protect yourself with the right gear, including layers of warm, water-resistant and wind-resistant clothing; goggles; gloves; helmets and any other necessary protective equipment.
Before you start to play, warm up for about 10 minutes, remembering not to overdo it.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Check all of your athletic equipment, and follow all rules of the game you are playing. Take lessons, if necessary.
Take immediate shelter if you have any symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia, including numb patches of white skin, waxy dark skin or swollen, burning and itchy skin.

Copyright © 2011 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

HealthDay news articles are derived from various sources and do not reflect federal policy. Womenshealth.gov does not endorse opinions, products, or services that may appear in news stories.

Return to top

womenshealth.gov
A federal government website managed by the Office on Women's Health in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
200 Independence Avenue, S.W. • Washington, DC 20201