Participating in sports and recreational activities is a great way for children to enjoy being physically active and at the same time receive plenty of health benefits. Among these benefits include reaching and keeping a healthy weight, and helping to prevent chronic diseases later in life. But the fun can quickly disappear when injuries occur that cause permanent damage, like a serious head injury or loss of the use of limbs.

The Canadian Institute for Health Information reported in 2003 that almost half of all sports and recreational injury hospitalizations in Ontario were in youth under 20, with the largest numbers among those age 10-14. During the winter season ice hockey, skiing, and snowboarding are popular activities among many school-aged children across Canada. To help prevent injuries in these activities, here are some key safety tips for parents to consider for their children.

• Wear properly fitting safety gear when skating, skiing and snowboarding. This includes wearing helmets approved by the Canadian Standards Association. This is already a requirement for minor hockey leagues in Canada.

• Taking lessons helps teach proper technique and good etiquette when sharing the  ice and slopes with others.

• Skiing or snowboarding should always be done with a buddy and ski areas that are closed or out-of-bounds should be avoided.

Key References:

Canadian Institute for Health Information,Ontario Trauma Registry Analytic Bulletin.(2003).Sports and recreational injury hospitalizations in Ontario, 2003-2003. Retrieved December 1, 2006, from http://secure.cihi.ca/cihiweb/en/downloads/bl_OTR_Aug2004_final.pdf

SmartRisk.(February, 2006).Ski and snowboard injuries.Ontario Injury Compass, Vol, 3, Issue 2.