Sledding, ice skating and more: Top tips for winter sports safety

Winter school vacation week is officially here. If you aren’t traveling to a warmer climate, outdoor winter activities — sledding, skiing, snowboarding and more, are likely part of your family’s vacation plans. Dr. Michael O’Brien, director of Boston Children’s Hospital Sports Concussion Clinic, says when it comes to winter sports, fun and exercise outweigh the risk. But you do need to be careful. So what is a parent to do? Sledding safety In Boston, we’ve seen a lot of snow over the past week, so sledding may be a great option. Helmets are recommended for any winter sport, says O’Brien. Snowboarding or skiing helmets, which offer wide coverage at the base of your child’s skull, are best. However, a bike helmet will provide adequate protection, says O’Brien. “We recommend helmets for sledding. Skiing or snowboarding helmets are preferable. A bike helmet will do; if it’s in good condition and it fits well, it will suffice.” There are ways to help keep kids safe when they are sledding. Here’s how: Enjoy sledding in a group. Choose a path with the fewest number of obstructions. This lessens the number of possible collisions with a stationary object like a pole or a tree. Pick a sledding path with no road at the bottom. Have organization to the group, so that toddlers aren’t sledding at the base of the hill where larger, faster kids are speeding down. Make sure there is a safe path to get back up the hill that is not in the way of fast-m...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Kids' Safety Dr. Michael O'brien Orthopedic Urgent Care Clinic Sports Concussion Clinic Sports Medicine Division Source Type: news