Safe and Active Living

Physical activity is an important component of healthy living. Being active also helps to prevent and manage diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, certain cancers and premature death.It can give you energy, improve your posture, lower your risk of becoming ill and has numerous other benefits. 

However, physical activity also presents a range of risks. By managing and taking control of risks while being active, you can optimize the benefits of activity and prevent injuries from occurring. There are 6 ways to take smart risks:

These messages have been adapted to active living from the Calgary Injury Prevention Coalition (CIPC). 

Look first means think ahead. Understand the risks and make a plan to manage them. Make sure that you know all the details about the activity before you start participating in it. If you are planning a biking trip then map out the safest route before you leave for your trip. Have access to a First Aid kit and become aware of other safety devices specific to your activity. Be aware, reduce your risk.

 Get Trained

Learning the proper skills through training and practice can lower your risk of becoming injured while being active. Knowing how to prepare for and complete activities the right way will keep you safe. Take a lesson before you participate in an activity by yourself. Take swimming lessons before you go boating on the lake or take a First Aid course to learn what to do in emergency situations. Know how, know safety.

Wear the Gear

Using the proper safety equipment can reduce your risk of becoming injured during physical activity. Seat belts, helmets, life jackets, safety padding, and wrist guards are just a few examples of gear that can help keep your activities safe. The use of sunscreen and sunglasses on a hot summer day can also be considered protective gear. Wear the right gear, stay protected.

Buckle Up

Driving to places where you will be physically active may be the time when you are most at risk of injury. Wearing a seat belt and using a safety seat for your child can prevent serious injuries and save lives. Short trips in the car are no different than long trips when it comes to wearing your seatbelt. Buckling up can also be applied to activities aside from driving such as buckling up your helmet while riding your bike, wearing a life jacket and ensuring that your bindings on skis and snowboards are securely fastened. Buckle up to reduce your risk of injury.

Just as driving should only be done while sober and with no impairment of any kind, activities also require you to be sober. Impairment from the use of alcohol, prescriptions or illegal drugs can lead to severe injuries while being active. Fatigue can also negatively influence control of the mind and body so make sure that you are alert and well before you become active. Boating on the lake at the cabin, participating in a slow-pitch tournament or hiking on a trail are activities that may be social in nature; they could become unsafe when alcohol or drugs are involved. Be sober, be safe.

Learning how to do a new activity can sometimes be challenging. Requesting advice or getting help with an activity is strongly encouraged when needed. Enjoying new activities with the help of an expert can improve safety. If you would like to learn about hiking, contact your local outdoor store where they can put you in contact with someone more experienced. Getting help is not a weakness; it can increase safety and improve performance.