Keep Winter Outings Safe and Enjoyable

Whether it’s a backyard game of shinny, skiing on the slopes on vacation or just heading for the hills with the toboggan pack along some gear and follow a few simple safety rules to make your winter outing safe and enjoyable.

Wear protective gear. This includes helmets, face and mouth guards, and appropriate padding. Check and make sure that your helmet is specifically made for hockey and that it is approved by the Canadian Standards Association. Protective helmets are also available for snowboards, toboggans and skiing. Multi-sport helmets are also available so visit a knowledgeable sports store for all the details and get the right fit!

• Check and make sure that everything still fits. Children and youth are prone to growth spurts. What was a perfect fit last year may be too small this year! If your gear is too small, it may not have the same protective qualities. For example, if the shoulder pads are too small the hard-plastic caps which are supposed to cover the sides of the shoulders may only rest on top of them. If the player then smashes sideways into the boards, he/she is at a greater risk for breaking a bone, as their shoulders are not fully protected.
• Play fair and follow the rules of the game. Illegal maneuvers such as tripping, hitting, holding, body checking, and fighting can lead to serious injuries of various kinds.
• If you have already been injured, consult your doctor before returning to the game. Coming back before you have had sufficient time to completely healed will only make it easier for your injury to repeat itself.
• Dress for the weather – exercise generates heat so where various layers that you can take off or add as your level of activity increases
• Tuck any loose strings, scarves or hoods into the jacket or remove them completely. They pose a strangulation hazard.
• Look where you are going. Watch for someone ahead of you. When at the bottom of the hill move safely out of the way as quickly as possible.
• Obey all posted signs and instructions by operators of the equipment such as ski hills. Tow ropes can pose their own hazards. Look – Listen – Obey all instructions.

Ever had a concussion? This minor to severe brain injury has sidelined many professional athletes. Spot the signs and know what to do before your young athlete returns to sport or play.

Definition: A Change in mental status resulting from an external force.

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Mechanism: Direct blow to the head, face, jaw or ‘Whiplash’ effect.

A person does not need to lose consciousness to have a concussion

COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS – Symptoms are often subtle.

• Slow to answer questions or follow directions, poor concentration Inappropriate playing behavior (e.g. skating or running the wrong direction)
• Feeling “dinged” or stunned, “ bell rung”
• Memory or orientation problems
• General confusion
• Headache, dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Changes in vision
• Poor coordination or balance
• Emotional and personality changes

PREVENTION – Reduce the risk of brain injury:

1) Appropriate protective equipment should be worn properly, and replaced when damaged. Approved helmets

should be worn in all collision sports or activities with a risk of head trauma.

2) Adhere to the rules of the sport or activity. Play fair and play smart!

3) Respect all participants.

Managing a concussion:

Returning to an activity while still symptomatic is very dangerous. When in doubt, sit them out!

When a person shows ANY symptoms or signs:

1. The person should not be allowed to return to play in the current activity, game or practice.

2. The person should not be left alone. Regular monitoring for deterioration is essential.

3. The person must be evaluated by a medical doctor as soon as possible

4. Return to play must follow a physician-supervised program

SECOND IMPACT SYNDROME

Even a seemingly mild blow to the head when post-concussion symptoms are still present can lead to massive

brain swelling. It has also been shown that multiple concussions can lead to irreversible changes such as memory loss and concentration problems.