5 wellness activities in the winter

Once the winter arrives, sports fans rush off to the ski resorts. The most popular sports are alpine skiing, sledding, snowboarding, bobsleigh, ice skating and ski jumping. Although these sports can be extremely attractive, they can become dangerous if the minimum safety measures are not taken, so ... Attention!

People who want to practice these sports must be healthy, that is, not suffering from any illness that could get complicated with the sport or the cold weather. It is also important to wear the appropriate equipment (helmet, gloves, protection), and, before the proper action, do some warm-up exercises, to avoid straining a muscle.

There are also some psychomotor skills that you need to have in order to practice this kind of sports, such as a sense of balance, reaction time and execution, visual memory, the correct measurement of distances, mental and emotional stability.

Fun ways to spend winter days

Ice Skating

Inspired by the Olympics? Put on a pair of skates and go on the ice! This sport can be practiced by anyone, including children as young as 4 years, if they have a good balance and coordination. Follow these tips for a fun afternoon of safe skating.

Find a safe place to skate. You can skate at a rink or outdoors. But before going to a local pond, check the signs posted by local police or recreation department stating that the ice has been approved for skating. If there are no signs, call the police or a special service to see which areas are safe for skating. Follow the others. Always skate with the crowd and not on your own. Evaluate the potential risk of suffocation. Make sure your children throw any gum or candy before hitting the ice.
Luge

Luge is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. All you need is a hill covered with snow and a robust sleigh. If you are trying this for the first time, keep in mind these safety tips. Choose your location carefully. Practice this activity in an open space of packed snow - no ice. Make sure there are no rocks, tree branches, stumps, or other dangers hidden by snow. Make sure the bottom of the slope is far away from the traffic.

Use appropriate equipment. Choose a sled that is sturdy and has no sharp edges. In addition, make sure the handles are secure. Take a sled that can steer you. To be more in control, choose a sled or toboggan that you can easily navigate. Do not use an improvised sled. Sit on the sled with your feet in front of you. Lying flat increases your risk of injury.

Ski and Snowboard

Traveling to ski resorts for downhill skiing and snowboarding are popular winter activities for many families. Some even make it an annual event. In addition, many community groups organize reasonably priced ski and snowboard trips. Normally, children should be a little older (usually around 7 years) for snowboarding more than skiing. To keep your family healthy and safe each year, follow these tips. Wear safety equipment. Always wear a helmet and goggles to protect your head and eyes.

Get the help of professionals. Beginners should take at least one lesson to learn basic techniques and safety skills. Ski or snowboard safely. Make sure your children do not go too fast or lose control. Be careful when entering and exiting the ski lift. Choose the slopes where you want to ski. Do not ski or snowboard beyond your ability. If you are a beginner, stick to the beginner slopes.

Ice Hockey

How do you know if your child is ready to practice ice hockey? Well, if your child is at least 6 years, has good hand-eye coordination, it is a good ice skater, and can also play in a team, then you can say he or she is ready. If your child decides to try this sport, make sure he or she follows these safety recommendations. Always wear all required safety equipment. No matter if it's just practice or a real game, make sure your child is wearing the necessary safety equipment, including helmet and face mask, mouth protector, gloves, and pads for shoulders, knees, elbows and shins.
Get a good fit. Check your child's equipment regularly to make sure it fits well and is in good condition. Avoid contact. Advise your child to avoid contact with the boards and with other players. Make sure that medical assistance is available to all games and practices.

Safety tips for winter sports in general

It doesn't matter what activity your child does in winter, whether it is making snowman in the garden or skating on a pond, it is important to keep in mind these recommendations. Dress children warmly. Keep your child war with several layers of clothing. Some good choices: thermal long underwear, turtlenecks, shirts, pants, sweaters and a coat. Do not forget warm socks, boots, gloves or mittens and a hat.

Limit time spent outdoors. Time flies when you're playing in the snow, so be sure to call your children regularly to keep them warm. A cup of hot chocolate is a good reason to enter the house! Keep babies indoors. Infants lose body heat very quickly, therefore, avoid taking them outside when the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not forget the sunscreen. Even during the windy and cold days of winter, make sure your child is protected with sunscreen.

All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as suggestions only. Always seek the direct advice of your doctor in connection with any questions or concerns about your own health or the health of others.

Here are the most common types of injuries ordered by frequency: the legs (51-52%), head and / or face (33-34%), upper limbs (14-15%). In the case of skiing, the most common injuries are on the knees, bruises, and ligament rupture, rupture of the meniscus. The winter season is beautiful, but it can also be dangerous for those who carelessly practice some kind of sports. So be careful and everything will be fine!