For those spending more time outdoors, the rise in temperatures could lead to an increase in injuries. Especially if you’re living in Arizona where temperatures are known to rise to some of the fiercest temperatures in the United States.
Every year from May through August, emergency rooms across the country see about an 18 percent increase in the number of people walking through their doors with fractures, strain injuries, and more.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, recreational enthusiast, or vacationer, here are a few important tips to help you have a safe and injury-free summer.
- Always wear protective eye-wear, gloves, long pants, and closed-toed shoes when operating outdoor power equipment. You do not want an eye injury ruining your summer.
- Gardening shouldn’t be “back-breaking”. Bend your knees (not your back) and use your legs when lifting heavy objects. Many people have thrown their back out when making this mistake
Before engaging in summer sport activities, take the time to stretch. This will loosen muscles, joints, and ligaments, as well as help prevent activity-based injuries. Summer is definitely the time when everyone is trying to get outdoors and be active, so stretching is really important.
- To prevent overuse injuries, condition and strength train your body so it can become accustomed to increased levels of outdoor activity. Don’t run out there and go wild, make sure you ease your way back into things.
- Consuming water not only keeps our body temperature normal, it also keeps muscles lubricated. When you sweat, your body is depleted of fluids, which can cause muscle cramps, so stay hydrated.
- Take frequent breaks during activity – allow your body to rest and restore. Breaks will not only allow to you recharge, but it will give you time to enjoy all the great beach bods.