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Winter sports are a lot of fun, but it is important to make sure your child is
properly prepared for the outside sports. Most kids do not mind being cold,
especially if they are participating in a sport, but as parents we need to make sure
that they are prepared for the elements.

Stay Warm- make sure your child is dressed in layers and has the proper protective
gear for the sport they are participating in. Make sure ears and fingers are covered
when possible to avoid frostbite.

Wear sun block and lip balm with a spf – even if it is cold outside you can still get
sunburn, especially when skiing, sledding or snowboarding. Sunlight can reflect
off the bright white snow and right back onto your face, lips, etc.

Whether you are skating for fun or playing ice hockey, the number one rule is to
always skate on approved ice. Never skate on ice that has not been approved. Just
like with swimming, never skate alone.

If you play ice hockey, don’t step onto the ice without the proper gear. The most
important safety gear is an ice hockey helmet. Do not try to substitute with a
football or baseball helmet.

Always make sure you sled safely. Check your sled to make sure it is in good
working order. Do not use a homemade sled like a garbage can lid, plastic bags
or pool floats. Never use a sled that has any sharp or jagged edges, this can be
dangerous for you and other.

Always were gloves and boots, these will benefit you two fold; they will keep you
warm and also can prevent injuries to your hands and feet.

Make sure that the hill you choose to sled down is not to steep. Also make sure
that the bottom of the hill is not close to the road or a parking lot. You always
want to pick an area that is not cluttered with trees and other obstacles that you
may hit. It is hard to control a sled once it is in motion so take some precaution
prior to sledding.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Before you hit the slopes, make sure that your equipment fits you properly. It is
imperative to have the right size equipment, borrowing an older siblings equipment
can cause you to fall, lose your balance and get hurt.

Make sure that all boots and binding are the right size for your feet, also make sure
you wear a helmet and goggles at all times.

It is also a good idea to take a few lessons prior to doing either on your own.

Have fun this winter and be safe.

If you have any advice on winter sport safety please let us knows about it.

I read a very interesting article  at www.ehow.com, the article focused on how a sports injury could really effect the mental well being of  some athletes.  Most athletes exercise everyday, and they need to exercise not only for their physical well being but also for their mental.  Exercise is a proven way to release stress and many people use exercise as therapy.  Injured athletes can become depressed very quickly.  Below are some ways to help remain sane during the recovery time.

1. Try to stay as active as possible without causing more damage to the injured area.  For example if you break a leg, try doing arm exercises, or vice versa.  You can also try water jogging instead of running if you have a leg or knee injury that requires less pressure on the area.
2. Try to improve another area that you may have been putting off.  Perhaps work on your abs, or biceps.
3. Focus on no sport activities.  Learn to cook healthier foods, or read up on supplements that might help you.
4. Continue to associate with your “sport buddies” most of them were probably in your shoes once and can relate to what you are going through.
5. Avoid negative people.
6. Keep a journal regarding your progress and your emotions during this time of recovery.   It may be helpful for your physical therapist or doctor, and it is also something you can read and reflect on.

I hope these tips have been helpful, if you have any helpful tips please feel free to tell us about them.

Believe it or not! The Los Angeles Times reported a California father filed a lawsuit seeking $1.5 million in damages from a school district after his 15-year-old son was demoted from the varsity to the junior varsity basketball team. The suit claimed the demotion was messing up his son’s future and professional earnings. (Los Angeles Times, May 5, 2003). A popular softball tournament in Arizona was canceled because of a lawsuit filed by a player who broke his ankle in the tournament the year prior. The man was injured sliding into third base in a game at the city-owned sports complex. According to the suit, the city is responsible for the dangerous condition existing at third base. (Arizona Daily Sun, September 15, 2003)

Amateur sports clubs are everywhere. Young athletes from the age of 6 – 18 are participating in community sports clubs in record numbers. Not only are the kids competitively involved, the parents are just as enthusiastic. New state of the art amateur sports facilities are under construction or being upgraded or expanded to encourage the interest and promote the health benefits that being involved in sports clearly provide.

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