We all know that skiing, sledding and skating are fun, healthy winter sports, but they have the potential to cause severe personal injuries unless proper safety precautions are practiced. Common injuries from falls include sprains and muscle strains, dislocations, fractures and even brain injuries.

The U.S. Product Safety Commission reports that in 2010, more than 440,000 people were treated in hospitals, doctors’ offices and emergency rooms for winter sports-related injuries.

Snow-skiing and snowboarding injuries accounted for the most injuries. Sledding and tobogganing were third, followed by ice skating.

As part of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’(AAOS) ongoing Prevent Injuries America!® Campaign, the organization urges children and adults to consider these winter sports injury prevention tips before braving the snow:

• Check the weather for snow and ice conditions prior to heading outdoors: Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature to ensure safety while outdoors.
• Dress for the occasion: Wear several layers of light, loose and water- and wind-resistant clothing for warmth and protection.  Also, wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles, helmets, gloves and padding. Also, check that all equipment, such as ski and snowboard bindings, is in good working order.
• Never participate alone in a winter sport: If possible, skiers and snowboarders should ski with a partner and stay within sight of each other. Consider carrying a cell phone in case of an emergency.
• Skiers and snowboarders should observe all marked hazard and trail signs, and should never venture into closed areas: You also should respect designated slow skiing and family areas and never ski in the trees alone.
• Avoid sledding near or on public streets: Sledding should be done only in designated and approved areas where there are no obstacles on the sledding path. Speeding down hills in parks not designed for sledding puts you at risk of being hit by cars and trucks or of slamming into parked vehicles, curbs, and fences.
• Keep in shape and condition muscles before partaking in winter activities: If over the age of 50, it may be wise to have a medical check-up prior to participating in a winter sport.
• Learn how to fall correctly to avoid injury: Take a lesson (or several) from a qualified instructor, especially in sports like skiing and snowboarding, to learn how to fall correctly. Falling techniques aim to protect your vulnerable body parts.
• Avoid participating in sports when you are in pain or exhausted: Many skiers are injured on the final “one last run.”  If tired, call it a day.