During winter, there is an increase in emergency room visits, largely due to people engaging in winter sports. Ice skating, skiing, sledding, and snowboarding sure are a lot of fun, but there are risks involved with each activity. However, as much as you want to avoid injuries, you also don’t want to be that family member who sits back and watches everyone else have fun. To reduce the risk of injuries during wintertime, here are a few tips on staying healthy, strong, and better prepared for winter sports.
Train for the Sport
For any sports you are planning to participate in, check with your sports medicine doctor for recommendations. For all winter sports or any sport for that matter, you need to have a certain degree of mobility and agility on ice. If you’re thinking of skiing and either it’s your first time or it’s been a long time since you last skied, there are usually ski instructors that can help you overcome your fears, teach you proper form and technique, and show you how to enjoy the sport.
Choose the Right Winter Wear
Beginners and experts alike need to dress efficiently for the season and the activity. When you exert yourself, you will begin to feel warm, so the trick is to layer efficiently with lightweight clothing. This way, you can peel off layers and put them back on according to how you feel. Without the right winter wear, you are at risk of getting sick or frostbitten. Every sport requires a different clothing system, research online for tips on how to dress best for your activity.
Stay Hydrated
It may be hard to imagine, but you can also become dehydrated during winter, especially if you engage in aerobic activity and sweat. Since it’s cold, people may avoid drinking water for it also contributes to feeling cold, since it lowers your body temperature. However, your body needs hydration no matter what the season is, so aim to drink half a cup of water for every 15 minutes of activity to prevent dehydration.
Exercise at Home
Keep exercising at home during winter in order to build your immune system and to also keep you conditioned for winter sports. It’s tempting to just lay in bed or on the couch when it’s cold outside, but being inactive can wreak havoc on your immune system. There is a wealth of resources online for workouts you can do at home. Of course, make sure to let your doctor know before starting any exercise.
Sports Medicine Doctor in Clinton Township
Want to stay healthy and strong during winter sports? Dr. Jeffrey Carroll of Movement Orthopedics is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. He can evaluate your overall physical condition, as well as advise you on condition training as well as how to safely participate in winter sports and avoid injuries like fractures. Prevention is still the best medicine.
If you’ve sustained an injury from winter sports, please visit our orthopedic urgent care clinic. We are open and ready to serve you. Walk-ins are welcome at our Movement Orthopedic clinic located at 43475 Dalcoma Dr, Suite #160.
If you have questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Carroll, call our clinic at (586) 436-3785 or use our online request form.
