We all love summer, especially since it allows us to be outdoors, exercise and play sports that
we can’t play during the colder months.
For the athletes and recreational sport players though, this is also a red hot time for injuries.
According to The Department of Health and Human Services, 2 million people are injured
because of sports (whether team or individually played) every year.
In the summertime, these sports cause the most injuries:
• Bicycling
• Basketball
• Baseball and Softball
• Football
• Soccer
Seeing teams of injuries every summer because of sports is Dr. Sean Lager, Orthopedic Surgeon
of Gotham City Orthopedics in NYC and New Jersey.
Dr. Lager saves the lives of Gotham City (aka: NYC) just as the crime-fighting Batman, but he
adds a day and night protection twist, keeping his practice open 24/7.
According to Dr. Lager, Gotham City Orthopedics sees an increased number of injuries across
all ages during summer.
The most common injury is fractures due to falls during sports.
Summer Sport Safety Tips
He gives these safety tips to all athletes for their summer games, or sports players for their
recreational activities:
#1. Make equipment your best friend
Equipment is important such as helmets, elbow caps, wrist guards, knew guards are all
helpful in trying to reduce the risk of fractures.
#2. Be wary of the dark
Make sure not to stay out too late when there is poor lighting or after dark.
#3. Pay attention to crowds
Bicyclists in particular need this tip.
Pay attention to people who may be preoccupied on cell phones.
Also keep focused on the rules of the road.
#4. Keep your skin protected
Wear protective clothing from the sun.
We see burns half the time, it’s very important to use sunscreen as well.
#5. Stay hydrated
Dehydration during physical activity can contribute to impaired performance, fatigue,
headaches and even mental confusion.
Stay hydrated to ensure your best performance!
#6. Warm-Up
Before any physical activity, it is important to prime the body with a warm-up.
In a warm-up, you prepare your body for physical activity by increasing your heart rate,
loosening your joints, and increasing blood flow to your muscles.
This preparation will help prepare the body for the more intense physical activity and will
help to prevent injuries.
#7. Find a workout partner
A workout partner can be an incredible motivator to maintain your exercise regimen.
Not only will you have a spotter during exercises such as weight training, but you will also
have a partner by your side to keep you safe.
Have you had sports injuries?
What are you or your family doing to prevent summer sports injuries?
Share your suggestions, thoughts and comments with us.
Great post. Pinned and tweeted. Thank you for bringing such amazing creations to our party. We hope to see you tonight at 7 pm because we LOVE to party with you! Lou Lou Girls
I think too many people forget about the warm up part. Thanks for linking up at the Bloggers Brags party, I pinned your post to our group board.
My husband and I are pretty big bicyclists in the summer and this last summer, I did something to my knee. I thought that just staying off of it for a few days would solve the problem but the swelling hasn’t gone down and I still can’t really walk on it. I am thinking about looking into seeing an orthopaedic specialist just to make sure that everything is okay with it. I will have to keep these tips in mind for the future.
Always wear all safety equipment for whatever sports activity you are involved in. Nice post
Thank you for sharing that important advice. We appreciate it!
Thank you for the help. I my foot from basketball last summer and had to get some orthopedic help. I am not sure I was in the habit of warming up enough, as you suggested. For a game of basketball, or something similar, how long do you recommend stretching beforehand?
These summer safety tips from orthopedic doctors seem like they’re great to know before summer starts. My kids love playing sports when it’s warm outside, but sometimes I’m worried that they would get injured. You’re right about how they should wear the right safety gear. Helmets and knee pads could help keep them safe when playing sports with their friends, so I’ll make sure they wear the right gear before playing outside.
I loved your tip to warm-up before working out. Like you mentioned, if you work out that will help prime your body and reduce injuries during exercise. If possible, putting an emphasis on problem areas would be a good idea.