HEALTHY BODY
“Just be cautious.
There’s no one tip to
keep you 100 percent
safe, but there are many
that can minimize the risks.
With a little precaution
and planning, you can keep
yourself and your family
free from injury during
winter activities.”
WINTER SPORTS—
SNOW MUCH FUN!
E
ven though snow
isn’t likely in the
Rio Grande Valley,
many fans of winter
sports will be traveling
during upcoming months to
participate in activities that
include skiing, snowboarding,
sledding, snowmobiling, and
ice skating.
But, with winter activities
comes some cautionary
advice. Especially for those
who don’t regularly have
access to cold-weather
sports.
“Winter sports and activities
are a great way to remain
active during the colder
months,” says Dr. Jeannie
Harden, Medical Director
of Weslaco Regional
Rehabilitation Hospital. But
ice and snow can create
hazardous conditions that
can lead to falls, and falls are
the leading cause of brain
injuries.”
Harden explains that your
brain is the consistency of
gelatin. It’s cushioned by
fluid inside your skull. When
you suffer a blow or jolt
to the head, it can forcibly
slide your brain back and
forth, which can stretch and
damage the brain cells and
create chemical changes. It
also can lead to bleeding in
or around the brain, which
can cause symptoms such
as drowsiness, confusion,
blurry vision, headaches,
nausea, dizziness, or difficulty
in concentrating and
remembering things.
Brain injuries can affect
individuals not only
physically, but emotionally
and behaviorally as
well. In the United States,
more than 5 million people
live with disabilities caused
by brain injuries.
“Although the danger of a head injury is real with winter
sports, don’t let it stop you from enjoying your activity,” Harden
says. “Just be cautious. There’s no one tip to keep you 100
percent safe, but there are many that can minimize the risks.
With a little precaution and planning, you can keep yourself
and your family free from injury during winter activities.”
Harden suggests the following
when participating in winter
sports:
• Know your limitations,
especially if you’re new to
a sport or don’t participate
in it regularly. Take a
lesson from a trained
professional if you’re just
starting out. And consider
a refresher lesson if it’s
been a while since you’ve
participated in that
activity or if you want to
better your skills.
• If skiing or snowboarding,
go on the slope that’s
appropriate to your skill
level. Novices should
always go on beginner
slopes.
• Wear a helmet. Choose the
right helmet for the right
activity and make sure it
fits properly.
•
•
•
•
•
Pay attention to the
ground surfaces and
conditions. Take note of
any icy patches, drops,
uneven terrain and turns.
When outdoors, stay
in well-marked and
maintained areas. Don’t go
off established paths.
Wear proper equipment
for the sport or activity
you’re participating in,
especially shoes or boots.
Stay alert and don’t wear
headphones.
If skiing, snowboarding
or sledding, try to stay in
the middle of the trail and
away from trees.
Jeannie Harden, FAAPMR
Medical Director at Weslaco Regional
Rehabilitation Hospital
18 / HEALTHY RGV