Curb Your Risk for Injury

Among snow sports enthusiasts, higher speeds and more “jumps” and acrobatics are leading to a sharp rise in serious head and spinal injuries. According to a systematic review in the December issue of the journal of Injury Prevention, traumatic brain injury rose from 12% to 15% among skiers from 1992 to 1997. In one study, spinal cord injury skyrocketed 130% among children and 407% among adolescents over the 21-year period from 1972-73 to 1993-94. To help curb the potential for injury, many health care professionals recommend using the Alpine Responsibility Code. Take these steps to help mitigate future injuries:

• Beginners should take lessons from a certified instructor.
• Never ski or snowboard alone.
• Exercise and stretch before skiing or snowboarding each day.
• Stay on marked trails.
• Wear helmets and other appropriate gear.
• Quit before becoming overly tired.