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Frigid Weather and Sports
Can Mix
Even when the cold winds howl, the freezing rain
pours down and the snow flies fast and furious, many winter
sports enthusiasts can't wait to take to the fields, rinks
or slopes.
In fact, winter sports activities are great for body and
soul, but cold weather can require a little more preparation
and attention to detail for safe participation.
According to experts at the Curry Health Center at the University
of Montana, where cold weather is a familiar phenomenon,
the outdoor temperature is only one variable winter athletes
need to consider. Others include the intensity and duration
of participation in the sports activity, velocity of the
wind and an individual's level of conditioning.
The doctors at Curry Health caution that athletes need to
take into account the combination of temperature and wind,
called the wind-chill factor, when readying for sports participation.
Depending on the speed of the wind, even a temperature as
high as 30 degrees can be dangerous because during exercise
heat is lost and the body temperature can drop to dangerous
levels.
Frostbite caused by the effects of below-freezing temperatures
on tissues of the body is another common threat. Its hallmark
symptoms are burning, numbness and white or blue tissue.
The areas most sensitive are fingers, ears and toes. Protecting
these with mittens, hats, wool socks or other protective
gear can lengthen periods of safe athletic participation.
Beware of wet athletic gear and clothing when the mercury
hovers near or below the freezing point. Wet garments, especially
those that are not wool, give little protection from the
elements.
Several symptoms are tip-offs that participation in outdoor
winter sports should be discontinued immediately, including:
Uncontrollable or excessive shivering
Loss of sensation, control or ability to move fingers or
toes
Lethargy or extreme tiredness
Slowed breathing and heartbeat
Mental confusion
The staff of Curry Health point out these symptoms are
serious and can be life-threatening. Immediate appropriate
intervention is critical, but an ounce of prevention is
also of value.
Learn more about winter sports safety for children from
Health
Canada.
Article Source: HealthDay
Article Author: N/A
Net Reference 101
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