|
 Summer
is a time to enjoy yourself outdoors. Playing sports tops
the list of summer activities for kids and adults alike. Many
athletes use the summer to take time off from their usual
sport and to enjoy a new recreational activity. This break
gives their muscles and joints, that are used repetitively
in their routine sports endeavor, a chance to recuperate.
Dr. Kenneth Gertsen, an orthopaedic surgeon and President
of Orthopaedic Associates, believes this is a very important
practice. "All athletes require time to allow their bodies
to heal from the repetitive stress of performing their chosen
sport," says Dr. Gertsen. "The summer is a time for that to
occur. Essentially, a sport should not be played 52 weeks
a year. Even the most advanced athletes in the world take
time off from their sport to enjoy a new activity. It is reasonable
and imperative for each of us to allow aching limbs to rejuvenate
themselves."
Whether taking up a new sport or continuing to enjoy an activity
you are familiar with, it is important to follow certain safety
guidelines to keep injuries at a minimum. Here are a few tips
to protect yourself from getting injured this summer.
- Always stretch before exercising.
- Warm up before your game. Whether it's throwing a few
pitches or taking a few extra swings, warming up is always
beneficial to your muscles.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink lots of fluids. Dehydration can be very dangerous.
If you are thirsty you are in the early stages of dehydration.
- Don't overdue it. Pushing your body beyond its limits
can be harmful to your health.
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If you happen to get hurt on the playing field this summer,
remember this acronym R.I.C.E.
| R - |
Rest. Take some time off to allow your body to heal properly. |
| I - |
Ice. Ice your aching muscles and joints. This will decrease
any swelling and reduce pain. |
| C - |
Compression. Placing pressure on the joint, preferably with
an ace wrap, will reduce swelling and pain. |
| E - |
Elevation. Elevate the injured limb above your heart to
reduce swelling. |
See your physician if pain and swelling persist for more
than 72 hours.
Have a safe and fun filled summer!
Summer Sports with Most Injuries
Sport
Basketball
Bicycles
Baseball
Soccer
Softball
Trampolines
Inline Skating
Horseback Riding
Weightlifting
Volleyball |
Injuries*
1,633,905
1,498,252
492,832
477,647
406,381
246,875
233,806
196,260
189,942
187,391
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* Next in line on the list are swimming,
wrestling, roller skating and gymnastics.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
lists the top 10 summer recreational activities, ranked by
the number of injuries reported in 1999.
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Orthopaedic
Associates teams up with Avon Running.
See page 5.
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