Female Speaker: To Canadians, winter is associated with the joys of skating, the thrills of sledding, and the drudgery of shoveling. Each accompanied by a preventable member of head injuries and heart attack.
At the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Clinical Neuropsychologist Dr. Paul Comper is witness to winter's vows.
Dr. Paul Comper: Well, we see a lot of unnecessary head injuries, concussions mostly, from people not taking the appropriate precautions before they go to enjoy the weather sports.
When kids are out tobogganing, they haven't checked the way below them, they have a danger of running into trees and other obstacles, and particularly public skating and probably not wearing helmets and that kind of thing.
Female speaker: The moving snow is the chore not a sport, but it is as demanding and potentially damaging as a day on the rinks for the slope.
Dr. Paul Oh is the Medical Director of Toronto Rehabs Cardiac Rehab and Secondary Prevention Program.
Dr. Paul Oh: Medically when we see the big snowfall we get quite worried in fact. That we can almost guarantee that there is going to be someone who is going to get in trouble try and attack the snow and get into trouble with their heart. Snow can be actually a very dangerous part of the winter.
Female Speaker: Dr. Oh says that the danger is greatest for older people and people who are at an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. These people should avoid shoveling all together if they can. Everyone else should follow a few simple rules.
Dr. Paul Oh: Make sure you are dressed properly; dress in layers, with a waterproof but breathable outer layer. Hydrate, wear a hat, wear sunscreen. Try to push, not to lift, that will reduce the stress on your back. You can double your heart rates, double your blood pressure almost from lifting snow if you are going at it too aggressively.
Female Speaker: During the winter sport season, the best way to prevent serious injury, especially in small children, is to combine proper headgear, with parental control.
Dr. Paul Comper: You can't be cautious enough when protecting your children, always check ahead and make sure that whatever they are about to do is done under supervision, with appropriate precautions, and prudence is the key.
Have Fun, Stay Safe
1. Dress appropriately and wear proper safety gear
2. Warm up first
3. Stay hydrated
4. Be aware of your environment
5. Don't go it alone or tell someone where you will be
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