Understanding Weather-Related Physical Activity Injuries: Risks and Prevention Tips

1. Physical Activity Injuries

2. Weather Related Risks • Hot Weather • Cold Weather

3. Hot Weather Health Risks Overexertion – Overworking the body • HeatExhaustion – overheating of the body • results in cold, clammy skin and symptoms of shock • Caused by overexertion in a hot, humid atmosphere • HeatCramps – muscle spasms that result from a loss of large amounts of salt and water through perspiration • Heatstroke – a condition in which the body loses the ability to rid itself of excess heat through perspiration • Hyperthermia – a sudden increase in body temperature Concerns: • Dehydration – excess loss of fluids from the body • Smog or air pollution

4. Cold Weather Health Risks Frostbite – body tissue becomes frozen • Most often occurs in ears, fingers and toes • Frostnip – whitening of the skin of the toes, fingers and ears • Early warning sign of frostbite Hypothermia – condition in which the body temperature becomes dangerously low • Body systems shut down as body loses the ability to warm itself • Disorientation and confusion occur

5. Dressing for Cold Weather • Wear a hat • 70% of the body’s heat is lost through the head • Layers • Pull moisture and perspiration away from your body (Dri–Fit, ClimaCool or Under Armour) • Middle layer should provide insulation (Wool fabrics) • Last layer should keep wind and water out (Coated nylon)

6. Wind and Sun Windburn – skin is exposed to freezing wind, causing skin to become red, tight and sore to the touch Sunburn – burning of the outer layers of the skin • Mild sunburn makes the skin red and sore • Severe causes blistering, swelling and pain • Can lead to Skin Cancer Protect yourself: • 10am to 4pm are the most dangerous times to be in the sun • Wear protective clothing • Use sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of atleast 15 • Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before and every 2 hours

7. Minor Injuries Musclecramp – a spasm or sudden tightening of a muscle • Results from tired, overworked or dehydrated muscles • Treatment: • Drink cool water • Massage the sore muscle Strain – a condition resulting from damaging a muscle or a tendon Sprain – an injury to the ligament surrounding a joint • Symptoms include pain swelling and difficulty moving

8. R.I.C.E. Rest – avoid using the effected muscle or joint Ice – ice helps reduce pain and swelling • 20 minutes on then 20 minutes off • Repeat this for 72 hours every three hours Compression – light pressure can reduce swelling • Wrap effected area with an elastic bandage Elevation – raising the effected area above the heart can reduce pain and swelling

9. Major Injuries • Fractures – any break in a bone • Requires immobilization to heal properly • Dislocation – a bone is forced from its normal position at a joint • Usually causes a “popping” sound • A doctor must put it back in place • Tendonitis - tendons are stretched or torn from overuse • Tendons – bands of fiber that connect muscles to bones • Concussions – results from a blow to the head and causes swelling of the brain • Seek a medical professional if you experience dizziness or memory loss

10. Book Work Chapter 4, Lesson 5: • Review the chapter and vocabulary • Complete lesson review 1 – 5 on page 103