(NC)—How do hockey and football players of all ages play for keeps? By playing smart, playing to your abilities, and playing safe – they’re all tied together, says Angelique Berg, CEO of the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation.
“By taking proper preparations and making good choices, players increase their enjoyment and safety,” says Berg, “which means they can stay in the game.”
Minimize your risks and maximize your fun with these tips from the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation.
• Take time for warm-ups before and cool-downs after the game, working on strength, flexibility and endurance exercises. It not only helps you to improve your abilities, but “The most important way to prevent injury is to be in good physical condition,” says Dr. Jennifer Fletcher, an orthopaedic surgeon at Saint John Regional Hospital, New Brunswick.
• Ensure that protective gear (helmet, pads, etc.) fits properly, especially as kids grow, and is in good condition. Use it in practices, and pickup games too. “These types of games are often when we see injuries, especially in older athletes,” says Dr. Fletcher.
• Learn proper techniques, whether knowing how to tackle in football, or keeping your head up in hockey. You’ll improve your skills, and become more injury-resistant to boot.
• Know the rules and show sportsmanship. Fair, clean games are more pleasant for everyone – and reduce the chance you’ll end up with your arm in a sling or leg in a cast.
• Before a game or practice, check the field or ice for damage or potential hazards. You don’t want any adverse conditions that will affect either the game or your safety.
• Injuries often occur when players are pushing beyond their limits. Don’t try to be a hero by playing through the pain or fatigue. At times, choosing the bench is the smartest play, for yourself and your team.
• If you’re already injured, get the go-ahead from a health professional before returning to the game.
“It’s impossible to eliminate injuries entirely,” says Berg. “The goal should be to manage the risk, so you can keep your head, and the rest of your body, in the game.”
More on keeping your bones and joints healthy is available online at www.canorth.org.