It’s officially Spring! (even though you may be wondering why there’s snow in the photo above, read on to find out.) March is giving us some mixed signals, and there’s really just one thought we’ve had consistently: we’re closer to Spring than we are to Winter! We want to talk about sports injuries because they can happen to anyone, and changing weather conditions can create some hazards in addition to the risks already present.
We hope you all enjoyed the great Canadian outdoors this past season. Let’s talk about how much fun Canadians have during the winter. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a nature enthusiast (or both!) there’s no shortage of choices for anyone who loves being outside. You’ll notice that the list below includes sports that present risk for injury, and you may have already sustained one recently.
- hockey
- hiking
- skiing
- snowboarding
- snowmobiling
- snowshoeing
- tobogganing
- ice fishing
- dog sledding
- ice skating
Common injuries and risks
You can often resolve minor injuries like scrapes or small bruises by getting immediate first aid treatment. When you’re more gravely injured, you’ll likely need to go to a hospital or urgent care center. Some wounds or trauma are serious enough to warrant hospitalization.
- Groin strains
- Knees: torn or strained ACL tendon
- Shoulder: using your arms to break a fall can cause injury to your rotator cuff and/or tendons
- Concussion
- Frostbite
- Hypothermia
Tips to help prevent injuries
Our team at Milestone Health Services Halton leads an active lifestyle because we know that getting regular exercise not only makes us healthier, it can also reduce depression.
Any physical activity poses varying levels of risk, so it’s important to keep that in mind when we’re out there having fun. While winter is mostly behind us, you may have sustained an injury over the winter and are in rehabilitation or recovery mode.
If you’ve been injured, the best thing you can do for yourself is to seek medical attention immediately and follow through with the recommendations.
Keep these tips in mind when enjoying sports:
- make sure your equipment is in good working condition before setting out
- wear protective gear like goggles and a helmet when required
- dress in layers, choosing synthetic fabrics or merino wool that insulate and can be removed to prevent overheating
- warm up your muscles before your sport to reduce chance of injury
- know your limits! Take a class before trying something new and rest when you need it; injuries happen when you’re tired and aren’t paying attention
- drink lots of fluids; proper hydration will let your body keep up with your spirit
- follow instructions and take note of posted hazard advisories
How can Milestone Health Services Halton help?
We love that Halton Region offers so many options for outdoor pursuits. The last thing we want is for anyone to get hurt, but if you find yourself injured, and need some help around the house or want to transition smoothly from the hospital to your home, Milestone Health Services Halton can help. We offer:
If you live in the Halton area, including Georgetown, Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Mississauga North, and would like to discuss your individual needs whether or not you’re a senior, contact Milestone Health Services Halton for a complimentary in-home consultation at 1-888-509-9394 or 905-864-9020. You can also use our online contact form.