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June 10, 2004
Prairie Fare: Be Well Equipped for Summer Recreational Activities
I was looking for my six-year-old daughter the other day in our backyard. She was nowhere to be seen. Then I saw her laughing face and upper body appearing and disappearing over the fence. I also heard a distinctive bouncing sound. Yes, she was enjoying the neighbor’s tempting trampoline. When I walked next door, I fortunately discovered she was being supervised. She was bouncing alone, too. She’s so small she could be bounced right over the fence into our yard if someone heavier was bouncing along with her. I’m a little protective of her since she broke her leg before reaching age two while playing with a friend. I don’t want either of us to repeat the experience. I’ve also read a bit about accidental injuries linked to recreational and sports equipment. During the summer months, all the fun, recreational gear comes out of storage and many children and adults enjoy trampolines, in-line skating, skateboarding and biking. Unfortunately, many injuries related to these activities have been reported. In 2000, an estimated 70,000 kids, ages five to 15, were injured in the United States on home trampolines, prompting emergency room visits. Their injuries included bruises, cuts, sprains and fractures. Safety experts recommend that kids under six not play on trampolines. Since ladders are a temptation, it’s best to keep them away from trampolines. Also, be sure springs, hooks and sharp edges are well covered. Supervision is important, as is “solo jumping.” Over 15,600 people require emergency treatment yearly as a result of skateboard injuries. Wrists are commonly affected as children and adults try to break a fall when they hit a patch of rough, irregular surface. No one should “skitch” or “truck surf,” slang for hanging on to moving vehicles. In-line skating can
lead to injuries, too, if precautions aren’t taken. Losing balance,
hitting debris on the road and an inability to stop are the main ways
injuries occur. It’s best to learn skating at an indoor rink. Wearing a helmet is also important when riding bike. Unfortunately just 25 percent of child bicyclists wear helmets in the United States. About 75 percent of fatal bike crashes involving children could be prevented with well-fitting bike helmets. So, have fun in the outdoors but keep safety in mind. With all this activity, it’s important to stay hydrated, too. Cold water or diluted fruit juice are good thirst quenchers. Here’s a tasty snack to enjoy when you stop for a break.
### Source:
Julie Garden-Robinson, (701) 231-7187, jgardenr@ndsuext.nodak.edu |
Market Advisor: |
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North Dakota State University |
