LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va., –
There you are, staring over the mountain's edge, your heart racing, your extremities freezing. The bone chilling wind wisps through your body as you lean forward. Your feet begin to slide and your eyes begin to widen. You start to pick up speed, faster and faster, obstacles and people zipping around you, too fast to focus on each one. Then as the situation intensifies and the speed increases, you begin to panic. Suddenly you realize, you can't control this thing and worse -- you weren't close to being prepared for skiing. You didn't even wear a helmet!
On average, more than 40 people lose their lives on the slopes as a result of accidents in just skiing and snowboarding in the U.S. alone annually, according to the U.S. National Ski Areas Association (NSAA).
Common winter sport-related injuries include head injuries, shoulder dislocation or fracture, elbow injuries, hand or finger injuries, broken legs, knee injuries and ankle injuries.
When enjoying any winter sport activity, people should take every precaution to protect themselves from injuries or worse. -The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons suggests the following:
· Pay attention to weather warnings and make adjustments for icy conditions, deep or wet snow, and bad weather.
· Wear appropriate safety gear - such as goggles and helmets - and ensure that all equipment is in proper working order.
· Don't go out alone. You should always be with a partner and remain in sight of each other. Make sure that someone else knows about your plans and whereabouts during your outdoor activity. It's also a good idea to carry a cellphone with you.
· Warm up thoroughly before your activity in order to prevent muscle, tendon and ligament injuries.
· Stay in shape and condition your muscles before the season begins. If you are over age 50, consider having a medical check-up before you start participating in a winter sport.
· Know and obey all the rules of your sport. Take a lesson from a qualified instructor, particularly in sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
· If you're in pain or feeling tired, call it a day.
· Seek shelter and medical attention if signs of hypothermia or frostbite affect you or a companion. Early symptoms of frostbite include numbness and tingling, lack of feeling and poor motion in your fingers or toes.
"What most people forget to do is stay hydrated when it's cold outside," said Master Sgt. Kimberly Young, 633rd Wing Safety office at Joint Base Langley-Eustis here.
Young said to wear the proper clothing and not wear too much. For instance, a bike rider may want to wear something wind and water resistant but not heavily insulated.
It may even be best to wear several layers of light, loose, element resistant clothing to stay safe, warm and dry according to the NSAA.
"You can start to sweat and risk the chance of hypothermia," Young said. "Not everyone's body makeup is the same. It depends on the person, activity and weather conditions. It's all about the specifics."
Winter sports can be a lot of fun but remember 'safety first' and don't become another winter sports injury statistic.