Being active and participating in sports can be an important part of a person’s life. Not only does it provide the perfect opportunity to reap the health benefits, both mental and physical, associated with exercise, but it can give a person a sense of community and purpose as goals continue to be pursued. Unfortunately, sports are all too often the cause of personal injuries. Whether recreational or school sports, being an athlete can expose a person to a range of injuries that can be severe and have significant health consequences. Here, we will discuss some key safety tips for athletes to be mindful of in the hopes it keeps more people safe.
Athlete Safety Tips
Concussions, contusions, dislocations, sprains, and so many other injuries are commonly associated with athletes and those who like to live an active lifestyle. If you remain committed to getting exercise, whether it be through personal exercise, bicycling, or a team sport, there are certain precautions you can take to help prevent sustaining an injury and risking your health in the process. Most sports injuries are completely preventable and easily avoided when the proper safety measures are observed.
Some of the most important safety tips for athletes involve preventative measures you can take before you even begin to engage in sports or personal exercise activity. For instance, warming up before you engage in physical activity can help prepare your body for the exertion ahead. Warming up dilates blood vessels. This helps to ensure that your muscles are not only supplied with critical oxygen but also that your muscle temperature rises to help increase your level of flexibility.
Furthermore, cooling down can be equally as important as warming up. The sudden cessation of increased physical activity can be difficult for your body to process. By cooling down with a series of slower movements, your body’s breathing and heart rate are given the opportunity to adjust gradually. Additionally, the stretching afterward can help remove the lactic acid buildup that occurs due to physical activity.
Before you engage in sports and physical activity, you should also be cleared by your doctor. This is a prominent and important safety tip to observe. In fact, its importance is so cemented that most states require minors to obtain a sports physical before being allowed to participate in a school sport. Physical examination, however, can be important for kids and adults alike. The physical evaluation involves a physical examination as well as a review of medical history. Being cleared by a medical professional before engaging in a new exercise regime can be particularly important for those with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, Type 1 or 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Other athlete safety tips include always making a point to stay hydrated and checking equipment prior to engaging in the sports activity. For instance, if you are a bicyclist, make sure your bike is in fully operational order. Double-check that your brakes are working. Also, no matter what sport you are about to engage in, wear the protective gear that activity warrants. For instance, wear a helmet if you are going for a bike ride. It can be critical in preventing serious head injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Depending on the sport, you may also need to wear padding, eye protection, mouth guards, and proper footwear.
Personal Injury Attorney
Athletes, stay safe. If you have sustained a sports injury that was caused by the negligence of another, talk to Hunt Law about your options for recovering compensation. Contact us today.