Summer not only means more activity, it also means more injuries. As I sit here with an ice pack on my elevated sprained ankle, I thought that some tips for summer injury prevention were in order, even if they come too late for me!
Make sure you’re not picking up an activity you haven’t trained for. A hike through the Adirondacks may sound innocent enough, as does a quick kickball game with your kids. But if you’re not in shape, you’re exposing yourself to higher injury risk.
Even adults need safety equipment. Helmets should be worn when biking. Pads when rollerblading. Life jackets when kayaking. You get the point.
Higher temperatures make drinking water even more important. Make sure you drink plenty before, during, and after activity. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to take a drink.
Dress for the activity. Clothing should be light colored and ventilated to keep you cool during the hot temperatures. Your shoes should provide you with the proper support for the activity. Flip flops, as much as I love them, aren’t suitable for running around the yard!
Most importantly, make sure you know your limits and don’t push yourself beyond them. Pay attention to what you are doing (here is where I went wrong), and listen to your body!
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