The Importance of Snowboarding Safety

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Snowboarding involves moving at very high speeds down steep hills past other skiers and boarders, as well as natural and man-made obstacles. Falls are going to happen regardless of how good a boarder you may be, and collisions are relatively common. Also, since snowboarding takes place at high altitudes in the winter, the weather can range from sunny and bright to bitterly cold, with conditions changing rapidly from one slope to the next and from one hour to the next; here in the Pacific Northwest, it is very much the case.

Gearing Up

Before you venture out to the slopes, it’s important to have the right gear and know how to use it. In addition to a snowboard and boots, you will also need warm clothing, protective eyewear and helmets intended specifically for snowboarding.

Here’s a list of what you should bring each time you head up the mountain:

  • Snowboard — In general, an all-mountain snowboard is the best bet for beginners, rather than a specialty board, which is harder to turn and balance on. Note that the longer a board is, the more difficult it will be to control. Choose a board that is the right length for your size and snowboarding ability.
  • Boots — The connecting point to the snowboard are boots, a vital piece of equipment. Make sure to get yourself real snowboard boots (not moonboots or hiking boots) that fit correctly to keep your feet comfortable and warm. For most beginner snowboarders, soft snowboard boots are easier to control than hard boots. Make sure you keep your boots laced up tight to give your feet and ankles the support they need.
  • Bindings — Most snowboard bindings are of the strap-on variety, which are compatible with the greatest number of boots. You should always keep your straps securely fastened to give them the most control over your snowboard. Some bindings, though, are step-in types. Make sure to get the right bindings for your boots, and have a trained professional at a snowboard shop adjust the angle of the bindings to put your feet in the right positions.
  • Helmet — A helmet is the most important piece of equipment when it comes to preventing life-threatening injuries. You should wear one any time you go boarding. Get a helmet that fits properly, and make sure you know to keep the chin strap fastened to keep it securely in place. Also, make sure to get a real snowboard helmet (not a football or bike helmet) that allows space for your goggles and ventilation on warm days.
  • Goggles and sunglasses — The sun’s rays are considerably stronger at high altitudes than they are at sea level, and when they bounce off the gleaming white snow, they can be a serious threat to the eyes. Sunglasses are the best way to protect eyes from the sun’s rays, but you should always bring a pair of goggles that are the right size in case it gets cold or begins to snow. Goggles are also better at protecting eyes from tree branches and other hazards.
  • Gloves or mittens — Many snowboard gloves include pockets for hand warmers to keep fingers nice and toasty. If you’re still worried about your hands getting cold, however, it’s a good idea to get mittens, which are generally warmer than gloves.
  • Wrist guards — When you first learn how to snowboard, you’ll spend a lot of time falling forward and breaking your falls with your hands. This can lead to broken wrists and forearms, which are very common snowboarding injuries. Be sure you wear rigid wrist guards designed for snowboarding or in-line skating to protect yourself when you fall.

Dress for Excess

Anyone who has snowboarded on a cold day can tell you, it’s no fun if you don’t have enough warm clothing. Likewise, on hot days having too many clothes can make you sweat, which will lead to you getting cold when the sun dips behind a cloud or the mountains. The best way to tackle this situation is to have dress in layers so that you can shed or put on depending on the temperature.

Here’s a rundown on what sort of clothes they should wear when you snowboard to avoid hypothermia and frostbite:

  • Thermal underwear
  • Thermal socks
  • Intermediate layers
  • Snowboard pants
  • Jacket
  • Neck gaiter

Additional Items

While you should always have the gear and clothing mentioned above, here are a number of other items you might want to consider bringing with you when you are snowboarding:

  • Hand
  • Boot warmers
  • Walkie-talkies
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Water and a snack

Dr. Ruhlman’s Trip to Kenya

Last month OSS reported that Dr. Ruhlman and his family were leaving for Kenya once again.

They are back and this is what Dr. Ruhlman had to say about his travels with his family,

“I had the pleasure once again to travel this winter to Kenya to serve in an underprivileged area, providing orthopedic surgical care to patients in a small rural hospital in Bomet, Kenya. This was my second trip to this hospital and first with my family as we enjoyed the hospitality of the locals and helped them medically as they graciously introduced us to their way of life. The predominance of surgeries I performed involved fractures and infections as dangerous roads and driving conditions unfortunately cause a very large amount of significant trauma to the working class. It is extremely important in their culture and economy to get these patients back on their feet to allow them to continue to provide for our family. I had the opportunity to let my family enjoy the trip with me and we were impressed with the beauty of the country and its people. We also had a chance to witness up close the amazing wildlife that has been so well preserved in Kenya – it was a trip of a lifetime for me and my family, though I hope to have the opportunity to go back in the future.”

Check out the pictures from his trip!

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Top 10 Safety Tips To Avoid a Slip or Fall in Ice and Snow

In the Pacific Northwest, occasionally we get snow, but other times, we get a lot more ice and rain. In the Fall it is definitely more rainy, but in the Winter, we get cold, sometimes freezing temperatures that turn into ice and an occasional dusting of snow.

Did you know that winter slips and falls may cause serious injuries? Think about this:
Even when surfaces do not look especially icy or slippery, it is very possible that a thin sheet of transparent ice or “Black Ice” is covering your pathway putting you at risk. When you approach a footpath or roadway that appears to be covered with ice or snow, always use extreme caution. The most typical injuries are fractures and dislocations of the wrist, shoulder and ankle.

Many slips and falls happen in places people regard as safe and secure, typically outside their front door, on the door step, on the path or while getting out of the car.
If you are out walking in snow or icy conditions wear appropriate footwear, don’t walk with your hands in your pockets, walk with your hands out and wear gloves so you can break your fall if you do slip. It’s better to have a broken wrist than a cracked skull!

The Road Safety Authority has the following “Top 10 Safety Tips for Pedestrians” to help avoid the possibility of a broken bone that could easily lead to an operation and a long recovery:

1. If a journey cannot be avoided, walk on a footpath, not in the street. If there are no footpaths walk on the right hand side of the road (towards oncoming traffic). Be extremely careful as frost, ice and snow will make walking on footpaths very dangerous.

2. Remember that footpaths may not be treated so walk with extreme care; make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear and in extreme conditions consider an appropriate walking stick or walking pole.

3. Avoid walking in the streets at all costs if possible. Remember, cars and trucks slip and slide, too! If it’s an emergency, and you can’t avoid the street, wear bright or reflective clothing.

4. Visibility is reduced in snowy condition so wear high visibility clothing or carry a flashlight, or some type of reflective light gear similar to the lights that cyclists use at night.

5. Wear clothing that does not restrict your vision. Stay warm, but DO NOT impair your vision with hoodies, ski masks, scarves, hats, etc. This type of clothing could prevent you from spotting icy conditions that may lead to a fall or not enable you to see a car that is spinning out of control.

6. Snow and ice cause havoc quickly, so use extra caution when crossing roadways, and always cross at pedestrian crossings.

7. Ice can easily hide under a light dusting of snow. Just because you don’t see the ice doesn’t mean it’s not there waiting for your unsuspecting footfalls.

8. If you can’t avoid the ice and snow, bend your knees slightly and take slower, shorter steps to help reduce the chance of a slip and fall and an injury.

9. If forced to use the steps at someone’s home, apartment, or other public building, walk slow and take shorter steps when descending. The same is true of driveways and other hilly terrain; these areas can be very dangerous when they become slippery with ice or snow. Steps especially can be hard to clear and build up ice easily.

10. Be aware of overhead hazards! Falling icicles and chunks of snow pose a serious risk. In extreme cold weather icicles can build up in size very quickly and are lethal. Their size and dagger-like formation are extremely dangerous for pedestrians. Be aware of what’s happening above you, and stay clear from the edges of buildings.