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Keep your kids injury-free this winter

Cold weather and snow can mean quite a bit of winter fun for children of all ages. But unfortunately, orthopedic injuries are common occurrences at this time of year.

As a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, I frequently treat children with sprains, fractures and broken bones. Here are a few recommendations for protecting your children from injury as they enjoy the winter season.

Dr. David Fralinger, pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Advocate Children’s Hospital

Some injuries can result from slips, trips and falls, as outdoor surfaces tend to be much more slippery during the winter months. Rubber-soled winter shoes or boots will do the best job of preventing slips on ice or wet ground.

Clear walkways and driveways of ice and snow and remind children to avoid running on these surfaces at this time of year. Encourage taking small, careful steps. Provide children and teens with appropriate winter gear, including warm gloves, to keep them from placing cold hands in pockets, which can impact balance and increase the likelihood of slipping.

Sledding safety is incredibly important because this popular activity can quickly become dangerous. Steer clear of hills near roads, parking lots, trees, ponds or other hazards. It can be tough to direct a sled during its descent, making sledding very unpredictable. Young children should not head down hills alone. The safest way to ride on a sled is seated face forward. Face down sledding can lead to serious head injury. Keep arms and legs in and on the sled at all times. Teach your child that if their sled won’t stop, the best thing to do is carefully roll off of it. Better yet — choose a sled with brakes and steering abilities.

When ice skating, children should wear safety gear, including a helmet and wrist, elbow and knee pads, to help prevent serious injury. Slipping on the ice is typical for skaters of any age, so make sure children know skating basics, including safely stopping, before heading out on the ice. Monitor children at all times and skate with them, if possible. Consider skating lessons to help your child become more confident and careful on the ice.

Some families enjoy snowboarding and skiing during the winter months. Before either activity, lessons or time with a trained instructor can go a long way in keeping children safe. Proper safety gear is a necessity for both skiing and skateboarding, which includes a helmet and wrist guards. If at any point, your child becomes hurt, stop skiing or snowboarding. Do not allow them to ignore or push past an injury and instead bring them inside to be evaluated by a health care professional.

Be mindful of the amount of time your child is spending outside during all winter activities. When your body is tired, you are more likely to become injured. If you have any concerns, check in with your child’s pediatrician.

Children's health is a continuing series. This column was provided by Advocate Children’s Hospital. Author Dr. David Fralinger is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Advocate Children’s Hospital.

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