Skate Through Winter Sports Injury-Free( A few tips can keep you safe during t...),Health

A few tips can keep you safe during these cold, snowy months

ROSEMONT, Ill., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For some, wintertime offers an opportunity to stay inside with a blanket and a good book -- but for others, the season brings with it a whole new excitement of sports and outdoor activities for children and adults alike.

Hockey, ice skating, sledding, skiing (http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00321), snowboarding and other cold-weather activities are a great way to get some fresh air and exercise during those long chilly months. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (http://www.aaos.org) (AAOS) has some helpful hints to help prevent injuries while enjoying these pastimes.

"Vigorous activity such as skiing is important, but the cold temperatures and slippery surfaces of winter can produce significant injuries, especially for children," says Allan Mishra, MD, spokesperson for the AAOS and orthopaedic sports medicine specialist. "However, wearing proper clothing, protective gear and avoiding extreme weather conditions can improve their safety so no one misses out on the winter fun."

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2007:

• Snowboarding was the leading cause of winter sports injuries, sending 149,388 people to hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices, clinics and other medical settings.
• Skiing came in second with 131,454 injuries.
• Other sports and activities on the list include ice skating with 58,380 injuries, ice hockey with 47,594, sledding (http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00306) and tobogganing with 107,890 and snowmobiling with 34,699.