In winter, there are many opportunities for sports. If you want - go snowboarding or skiing, if you want - skate. But such activities rarely go without falls. So how do you minimize injury? And if you have already fallen, how can you help?
Correct fall
Falling correctly means being able to group quickly. And before doing winter sports, he should practice at home. So, when falling forward, do not put your hands in front of you. This can injure your wrist. With such a fall, press your elbows and hands against your body and turn slightly sideways. Falling back, you need to bend your back, and bend your head to your chest.
Preparing for winter sports
If you are going to the rink and decide to take skates at the rental point, then be sure to check that there are no chips or obvious chipping on the blade. The boot should fix the leg well. If this is your first skating rink, you can purchase knee and elbow protectors. But when choosing skis and snowboards, it is better to trust the professionals who will select the optimal equipment for you in terms of height, weight, type of skiing.
Before training, do a warm-up, warm up your muscles and ligaments. While riding - breathe through your nose so that the air has time to warm up before entering the lungs. Increase the load gradually.
Types of injury and first aid
The most dangerous sports are skiing and snowboarding. It's good if the fall cost a slight bruise. But what if you got more serious injury, and how they differ from each other.
Sprain. When skating or skiing, ankle ligaments are often affected. As a rule, sprains are accompanied by swelling, unnatural joint mobility and pain when trying to stand on a leg. In this case, the leg should be bandaged and consult a traumatologist.
Dislocation. A dislocation is pretty easy to recognize. For example, if the injury is to the shoulder joint, the arm will be in an unnatural position. It is categorically impossible to correct the dislocation on your own. A dislocated limb should be kept at rest, take pain relievers, and see a doctor.
Fracture. An open fracture is visible to the naked eye. A closed fracture can be suspected by severe pain, hematoma and swelling at the fracture site. A broken limb should be fixed with improvised means (stick, board) and an ambulance should be called.
Concussion. No one is safe from falling, skating, skiing or snowboarding at high speed. And, if the blow fell on the head, then you can get a concussion. The main signs are severe headache, dizziness and nausea. In this situation, you should not immediately jump to your feet. Apply a handful of snow compress to your head and soak for a few minutes. As soon as you feel that the nausea and dizziness have passed, slowly get up. Be sure to see a doctor, even if no signs remain.
Frostbite. Frostbite can also occur with slight hypothermia. As a rule, open areas of the body are subject to it: the face and hands. Therefore, if you feel chills, tingling and pain, and the skin has acquired a bluish tint, then go into a warm room as soon as possible and drink a hot drink. At home, you can take a warm bath with a gradual increase in temperature. Afterwards, drink hot tea and wrap yourself in a blanket. If frostbite areas are visible on the skin, do not rub them under any circumstances. Apply a dry, sterile dressing to them. And see your doctor immediately if numbness and pain persist within 20-30 minutes.
