In Alberta, sport and recreation incidents are the leading cause of injury-related emergency department visits for 15 to 19 year olds. While an active lifestyle can increase the risk of certain types of injuries, not being active also has health risks.
Using
smart risk strategies when taking part in sport and recreation can help reduce the chance of being injured while keeping the benefits of being active and having fun. Many sport and recreation injuries to youth can be prevented by following four of the smart risk strategies: Look First. Wear the Gear. Get Trained. Buckle Up.
Smart risk strategies for sport and recreation for youth
Look First
Identify the risks - you can only choose to take smart risks if you know what the risks are. Prepare and plan before the activity: get your gear together, warm up, and stretch.
Wear the Gear
A
helmet, mouth guard, elbow pads, and knee pads are all gear that can reduce the risk of being injured or decrease how badly you might be hurt while taking part in sports or recreational activities.
Get Trained
Think about taking lessons in your activity of choice. Learn how to board, skate, drive, paddle, or ride. Practice so you get better—you can take a thousand more risks if you do it right.
Buckle Up
Buckle up your seatbelt, bike helmet, parachute, or lifejacket, even for short trips. It is the law.
