On the slopes 30,000 accidents per year, anti-risk handbook

ROME - Every year, in Italy, there are over 30 thousand accidents on the slopes and of these 1700 force to be hospitalized. However, good athletic training, prudence and common sense help to avoid the worst for those planning a holiday between skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding and snowshoeing.
According to the National Surveillance System on Mountain Accidents, coordinated by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, accidents in the snow involve more men (55%) than women (45%) and in 50% of cases they happen within 30 years of age.
In 33% of cases, the rescue operation on the slopes is carried out following sprains. Bruises (26%), fractures (14%), wounds (9%) and dislocations (8%) follow. "These traumas may also require surgery. If skiing particularly stresses the joints and, among these, especially those of the lower limbs - emphasizes Francesco Falez, president of the Italian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (Siot) - snowboarding exposes greater risk for the upper limbs, especially the shoulder, hand and wrist ". As many as 65% of accidents occur in conditions of good visibility, therefore not attributable to bad weather, but are caused by loss of control. Therefore, on the occasion of the start of the ski season, this is the guide to protect yourself from the risks: 1. Good physical preparation: a few months before the holidays in the mountains it is a good rule to dedicate yourself to targeted training.
2. Never underestimate pain and discomfort: they are alarm bells that can alter the control over movement.
3. Warm Up: Remember to stretch your joints before going downhill.
4. Prudence: understand your limits, never exaggerate, stopping if necessary.
5. Weather: carefully evaluate the weather conditions, visibility and snow characteristics.
6. Speed: it must be appropriate to the technical and physical preparation, to the conditions of the weather and the slopes.
7. Rules: respect the signs on the slopes, making stops and overtaking only where allowed.
8. Meals: do not weigh down at lunch and never skip breakfast.
9. Proceed in company: to be able to get help in case of need.
10. Helmet: it is effective in reducing the risk of head injury, it should be used by adults and children. (HANDLE).