Hitting the Slopes? Be Safe Up There

By Megan Schmid, RN, Graland Country Day School

 

Snow sports like skiing and snowboarding are a huge part of Colorado culture.  Many people find themselves on the slopes every weekend in the colder months and would probably go everyday if it weren’t for other obligations. Skiing and snowboarding provide a great workout; whether you are advanced or just beginning, there is a place for everyone on the mountain.

As with any sport there are steps you can take to be as safe as possible while enjoying these exhilarating activities.

Number one when participating in snow sports is to wear a helmet no matter your skill level. Increasingly, students are being diagnosed with concussions, which is largely due to better knowledge about concussions and what truly defines this head injury. Every concussion puts a person at risk for another, and another. Children learn by example and if they see the most important adults in their lives taking this precaution they are more inclined to do so themselves. Always remember to put a helmet on your child and yourself.

When you’re out in the snow, don’t forget sun safety. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The high country’s altitude puts you closer to the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays and these rays also reflect off the snow so you are exposed to the same rays twice. Twice the exposure means you are at greater risk to develop some form of skin cancer. For the best protection, remember the 30-30-2 rule: Apply a minimum of 30 SPF sunscreen 30 minutes prior to hitting the slopes and reapply every two hours. Apply lip balm with a minimum of 15 SPF and wear eye protection like goggles or sunglasses. Some goggles and sunglasses protect your eyes from 99 percent of UV rays. For more information, please go to www.skincancer.org.

Dressing in layers is also always good idea when you are outdoors in colder weather. Temperatures can rise and fall quickly in the mountains and your body temperature will change depending on your activity level. Wearing layers ensures you can dress down or up no matter what the weather is doing during that particular hour of that particular day.

 

Finally, it’s extremely important to stay hydrated when you are on the mountain. Colorado has a dry climate which means we have to naturally increase our water intake. The cold weather can fool you into thinking that you do not need to drink as much water, but skiing and snowboarding are active sports that can easily leave your body dehydrated. Be sure to remind children to drink plenty of water before, during and after their day of fun. This will not only help prevent dehydration, but will also help prevent altitude sickness headaches when visiting the high country.    

Keep these tips in mind for a safe and fun trip to the mountains. I hope you all enjoy the ski season this year!