Winter sports are lots of fun - just ask any kid who's just
scored the winning goal during an ice-hockey game or finished
sledding to the bottom of a giant hill. But when you're sitting
on that sled, getting ready to ski, or doing a figure-eight on the
pond in your skates, you have to know how to be safe. Otherwise,
you could get injured and be stuck inside while everyone else is
enjoying the snow.
Stay Warm
No matter which winter sport you choose, staying warm is
important. The right clothing and equipment will help you do that.
Dress in layers, people often say. This is true, but some of the
newer fabrics for cold weather give you the warmth of layers
without all the bulk. Ask an adult if you're not sure what to
wear outside.
Sometimes kids say, "I don't mind being cold." The
tough guy (or girl) approach isn't a good idea. Staying warm
isn't just about feeling comfortable. Your body
needs
to stay warm to work properly. And when your body is at the right
temperature, it won't need to spend as much energy getting
warm. That will give you maximum energy for winter fun. Also, if
you're dressed properly, it means you can stay outside longer
without worrying about
frostbite
.
Fun in the Sun
Even though it might seem odd in winter, don't forget to put
on
sunscreen
(with a minimum SPF of 15) when you're skiing, sledding,
skating, or snowboarding. Sunlight reflects off all that bright
white snow and ice and back onto your face - so cover up with
sunscreen, and put some lip balm that contains sunscreen on your
lips (even when it's cloudy outside).
Sledding
Zipping down a hill at what feels like a million miles an hour
can be a great time - as long as you're sledding safely. When
you grab your sled, make sure it's sturdy and that it's one
you can really steer. The handholds should be easy to grab, and the
seat of the sled should be padded. Never use homemade sleds like
garbage-can lids, plastic bags, or pool floats - these are
dangerous and you may lose control while you're sledding. Also,
never use a sled that has any sharp, jagged edges or broken parts
(this might happen if you're using an old sled).
It's especially important to wear gloves or mittens and
boots while you're on the sled because in addition to keeping
you warm, they can help prevent you from injuring your hands and
feet. Wearing a bike helmet is also a good habit to get into -
doctors say it's a great way to protect your head while
you're sledding.
When you're picking your sledding spot, it's best to
have an adult check it first to make sure it's OK. Hills
designated for sledding are always a good bet - they can be safer
than private areas like backyards. (Having an adult around while
everyone is sledding is a good idea, too.)
Make sure the hill isn't too steep and that it's covered
with packed snow, not ice. The hill must not end anywhere near cars
on the road. This is important. If it's a new hill you're
trying out and you've never been to the bottom, you might want
to walk it first just to be sure. Also, look for obstacles like
trees, bushes, and rocks that are covered in snow. Sled only in
daylight or in well-lit areas.
If you're sledding with a friend, make sure that you
don't go over the weight limit - look at the label on the sled
for the number of pounds it will hold. If everybody has his or her
own sled and is taking turns sledding down the hill, make sure the
person sledding before you is well out of the way before you take
off.
And whether you're on the sled by yourself or with pals, you
always want to be sitting up, not lying down. Lying flat puts your
body at greater risk for injuries if you lose control and flip out.
Finally, there is only one kind of energy that's right for
moving a sled: kid power! Never ride on a sled that's being
pulled by a car, truck, or snowmobile.
Skating
Whether you're tending goal or going for a triple-spin in
the air, it's cool to glide across the ice. Whichever ice sport
you like, one rule is always the same:
only skate on approved ice
. In places where it gets really cold, you might be able to skate
outdoors on frozen ponds and lakes. But these spots must be
approved for skating. You'll know because they'll be marked
by one or more signs from the police or recreation department
saying that skating is OK. If the safe area is blocked off, be sure
to stay within that area.
Never
try skating on ice that hasn't been approved, even for a
second. Ice that looks and seems strong may not be able to hold a
kid's weight. And just like with swimming, never skate
alone.
Once you have a safe skating spot, you need safe skates. Ice
skates need to fit you properly. Don't try to fit into skates
that are too small, or put on lots of socks to fit into an older
brother's or sister's pair. Skates should be snug but not
too tight, laced up to the top.
If you play ice hockey, take a tip from the pros: don't step
out onto the ice without all the proper gear. This means padding,
and most important, the right helmet. An ice-hockey helmet is the
only kind you can wear - not a football helmet or a bike helmet. If
you're ever in doubt about what makes up the right ice-hockey
gear, ask an ice-hockey coach or a professional at a sporting-goods
store.
When you're out skating around for fun, skate in the same
direction as the rest of the crowd. Don't dart across the ice -
you might smack into someone who doesn't have time to get out
of the way. The same goes for trying out new skating moves - be
sure to watch where you're going and make sure that you have
lots of room. Finally, throw out any gum or candy you have in your
mouth before going onto the ice - you don't want to choke on
it, or have it fall out of your mouth onto the ice and cause
someone to trip.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Before you hit the slopes to ski or snowboard, make sure you
have the right equipment - and that it fits you right. Many kids
have problems because the equipment they use is too big for them.
It may have belonged to an older brother or sister and they are
hoping that they can "grow into it." Equipment that is
too big will make it hard for you to keep control.
The same goes for boots and bindings - make sure these are the
right size for your feet before getting on the slopes. Ski boots
that are designed just for kids are a good bet because they are
more flexible than boots for adults, and they have buckles that are
easier to manage, too - making it quicker for you to get
skiing!
Helmets are a must for skiing and snowboarding. Goggles will
protect your eyes from bright sunlight and objects that could get
in the way and poke you in the eye (like tree branches). Just like
with inline skating, snowboarders need kneepads and elbow pads.
Some snowboarders who are just learning wear specially padded pants
to cushion their falls!
Speaking of learning, it's a good idea to take at least one
skiing or snowboarding lesson before you take off. This can keep
you from getting frustrated or getting hurt before you have a
chance to enjoy this new sport. For instance, your instructor can
teach you how to stop! Even after a lesson, it's good to have
an adult nearby in case you need help. Grownups can help you choose
the right trails and hills. If you're in doubt, it's always
safer to start with easier slopes and move on to harder ones
later.
Skiing and snowboarding can be a little like driving a car.
You have to learn to share the road or, in this case, the trail! It
also means watching out for others to avoid collisions, so keep
your eye on the other snowboarders and skiers.
Anything else you need to know? Yep - go out and enjoy the
snow!
Reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: June 2006
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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