With the winter season now upon us, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has indicated that each year approximately 150,000 people seek medical treatment following a snowboarding or skiing mishap. Unfortunately, even a minor winter sporting activity can develop into a long-term issue for someone that likes to ski or snowboard. Fortunately, knowledge of some of these common Winter sporting activities can allow treatment of these issues in an effective manner. Prevention of these injuries is also possible.

1. Ankle Sprains. Ankle sprains can occur for various reasons such as incorrect snowboard boots or ski bindings. This may cause the individual to use the ankle excessively and then fall or suffer a sprain to the ankle. A bad jump may also cause the individual to inadvertently place too much pressure on the ankle joint and bones of the foot resulting in an ankle sprain. Treatment for an ankle sprain includes compression of the injury to reduce the swelling. The individual should also perform regular ankle exercises while using a support for the ankle until the ankle is fully recovered.
2. Spinal Injury. An injury to the spine occurs when there is any damage to the vertebrae which may result in changes in sensation and strength to the areas of the body below the site of the injury. Many skiers and snowboarders suffer spinal injuries due to jumping and subsequent falls. If an individual experiences any back pain that is excruciating, body paralysis or numbness and weakness in the extremities such as hands, feet or toes, then the individual may be experiencing a spinal injury. When a spinal injury occurs, immediate medical attention is needed. Time is of the essence between the moment the injury occurs and treatment is received. Subsequently, the extent of the injury and the time of recovery is dependent on the immediacy of treatment received.
3. Head Injury. The speed at which many winter sporting activities also result in collisions and falls that may or may no result in a head injury. Regardless,all head injuries require immediate medical attention. While minor head injuries may only require stitches, more serious head injuries involving a lack of coordination or light-headedness may require more intensive occupation or physical therapy as well as initial monitoring.
4. Hand or Wrist Injury. The hands and wrists are used constantly when involved in winter sports. For example, a minor slip or fall may cause the skier or snowboarded to extended their hands in order to alleviate the severity of the fall. This extension of their hand may result in a break or sprain to the hand and/or wrist. A hand or wrist injury may result in increasing pain, swelling, tenderness and bruising, and other symptoms. In the event of a hand or wrist injury, an individual should try to refrain from using the hand or wrist for a few days and then apply ice to the injury. In various and more extreme cases, anti-inflammatory medication should be used as a preventative and treatment measure to help with the pain and swelling associated with the injury to the hand or wrist.

Prevention Tips For Winter Sports Injuries
A few effective ways to reduce the injuries received when involved in winter sports include the following:

1. Verify that the snowboard or ski bindings are not excessively loose or too tight.
2. Stay on skiing or snowboard trails that match your skill level.

Some of the best ways to reduce the risk of snow sports injuries include:

1. Ensure ski or snowboard bindings are not too loose or too tight.
2. Ski or snowboard on trails that fall in line with your skill level.
3. Continuously drink fluids throughout your activity.
4. End your activity if you begin to feel too tired and/or become too cold.

It is also extremely helpful to become familiar with various preventative and treatment measures by enrolling in a first aid course.
Enrollment in a basic first aid training course is beneficial for anyone involved in winter sporting activities as it empowers the individual with basic lifesaving skills that can be used to help facilitate treatment of winter sports injuries.

Flu season is here. Did you prepared? Let's look at a few questions surrounding the flu and its impact on people not only in Texas but across the United States.

WHAT IS THE FLU?
The flu is a contagious respiratory disease. With the flu, the upper and lower portions of the respiratory tract are attacked by the virus. People are often more susceptible to the flu during the Fall and Spring. During these seasons, the flu is easily transmitted from one person to another. For example, a person who handles items contaminated by someone who has the flu virus may be exposed to flu germs. In this scenario, a flu virus infection may then occur.
The flu virus affects men, women and children, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation reports between 5% and 20% of the U.S. population gets the flu annually. Further, the CDC Foundation notes tens of thousands of people are hospitalized due to the flu virus each year, and thousands of people die annually due to flu-related illnesses.

WHAT ARE SOME SYMPTOMS OF THE FLU?
Some common flu symptoms include the following:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Body or muscle aches
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Runny or stuffy nose

​HOW CAN I TREAT THE FLU?
If a person believes they are fighting a flu virus, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may help flu like symptoms to quickly subside and/or may prevent any further flu symptoms. Oral or nasal decongestants often help those with swelling of the nasal passages. In addition, people who are experiencing sneezing related to the flu or nasal discharge can use an antihistamine to help relieve these issues. The use of antiviral drugs may also help a person overcome his or her flu symptoms. These drugs are designed to reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms. In some instances, they may help a person prevent flu symptoms as well. For those seeking optimal care, a consultation with a doctor allows an individual to receive expert insights into his or her flu symptoms. Best of all, a doctor can help a person determine which OTC or antiviral drugs or other flu treatments to use and ensure that these treatments won’t interfere with an individual’s current medications.

​WHAT CAN I DO TO LIMIT THE RISK OF CROSS CONTAMINATION AND/OR INFECTION?
The flu virus can progress rapidly and can effect anyone but there are several precautions that we can use. 

Wash Your Hands Frequently: Use soap and clean running water to wash your hands regularly throughout the day for 20 seconds at a time. Also, if soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand rub to clean your hands.
Keep Your Hands Away From Your Face: Touching your eyes, biting your fingernails and other activities that involve your nose, eyes and mouth may cause flu germs to spread. Therefore, you should try to keep your hands away from your nose, eyes and mouth whenever possible.
Get The Flu Shot: Annual flu vaccines are available at pharmacies and medical treatment centers nationwide. You may even be eligible to receive a yearly flu shot free of charge.
Disinfect Contaminated Surfaces: Perform regular home and office cleaning. That way, you can clean and disinfect surfaces that otherwise may be contaminated with flu germs.
Get Plenty of Rest: Sleep allow the body to heal and to combat infection. 
Try To Avoid People Who Are Sick: This can be difficult. But if possible, if a friend or fellow employee is experiencing flu-like symptoms then you should avoid this individual for the time being.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking lots of water and other fluids can help boost the immune system as well prevent headaches.
Follow Your Physician's Order: Consult with a doctor to determine the most effective method to treat the flu symptoms.

During this year's flu season, take extra precautions to stay healthy. Be well.