Health Tip: Sledding Safely

Prevent injuries this winter

Related Encyclopedia • Acne • Alagille Syndrome • Animal Bites • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair More... Related Healthscout Videos Picture Perfect Smile Space Age Dental Scan Bioengineering versus Avian-Based HA? What is Hyaluronic Acid? More... Related Animations • Dental Cavities More... Related Drug Information • Adderal XR • Concerta • Strattera • Ultram More... Related News Articles • FDA Faulted for Stance on Chemical in Plastics • Family Halloween Safety Can Be Fiendishly Simple • Decorative Halloween Eye Lenses May Pose Serious Risks • Mutant Mouse Gene Offers Clues to Hearing Loss More...

(HealthDay News) - Sledding may be a long-anticipated part of a child's winter fun, but it also can lead to injuries.

Text Continues Below

---

Follow these safety tips to prevent accidents, courtesy of the National Safety Council:

• Before use of any sled or toboggan, parents should carefully inspect them for any broken parts or sharp pieces.
• Children who are 8 years old or younger shouldn't sled unsupervised.
• Dress warmly and in layers, including a hat and gloves.
• Sled only in wide-open areas that are far from lakes, roads and traffic.
• Don't sled down extremely steep hills.
• Don't sled in areas with trees, rocks, shrubs and other potential obstacles.
• Don't sled down a hill head-first -- always feet-first.

-- Diana Kohnle