Sports Safety

Playing sports can be fun, but they can also be dangerous if you are not careful. You can help prevent injuries by

• Getting a physical to make sure you are healthy before you start playing your sport
• Wearing the right shoes, gear and equipment
• Drinking lots of water
• Warming up and stretching

If you have already hurt yourself playing a sport, make sure you recover completely before you start up again. If possible, protect the injured part of your body with padding, a brace or special equipment. When you do start playing again, start slowly.

Is bicycling good for you?

Yes, riding a bicycle is great exercise. It can help you get in shape and lose weight, and it can reduce the risk of health problems such as heart attacks. Bicycling puts less strain on your joints than jogging does, so bicycling is easier on your body.

What causes bicycle crashes?

Sometimes your mistakes cause crashes, and other times car drivers or loose gravel on the road are to blame. You are more likely to be seriously hurt if you run into a car or if you are riding fast. Children can be hurt while doing stunts on their bicycles. Getting your fingers or toes caught in the spokes or the pedals can also cause injuries.

What if I fall off my bike?

If you hit your head when you fall you should see a doctor, even if the injury seems minor.

What can I do to avoid injury?

The best way to protect your head and face is by wearing a helmet. Make sure your helmet meets government standards. All children and adults should wear helmets when they ride, even on short trips. This is now the law in some states. Wearing a pair of sports sunglasses can stop dust and bugs from getting into your eyes. Wearing bright, reflective clothing when you ride can make it easier for drivers to see you. You can use padded gloves to protect your hands and wear padded shorts and use a comfortable seat to reduce buttock pain. Parents should teach children basic traffic rules and make sure they ride in safe places. Children younger than 10 should not ride near traffic.

How can I be sure my bike is safe?

It is always a good idea to make sure that everything on your bicycle is working correctly. Get in the habit of checking that the brakes are working, and be sure there are no loose or broken parts on your bike. Reflectors and lights make you and your bicycle more visible to car drivers in the dark.

What about child-carrier seats?

If you ride with a child on your bicycle, you should use a special seat that fits behind the main seat. The child always needs to wear a helmet when riding with you. Also, make sure the bike has spoke guards to prevent the child's feet from getting caught in the spokes.