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Warm-ups Prevent Injuries

Sports injuries, especially torn muscles and ligaments, increase in winter mainly because participants fail to properly "warm up" with stretching exercises before taking part in their sport, whatever its nature. They are prone to such injuries because they have not realized that the sudden low temperatures tend to constrict, or make less flexible, their muscles and ligaments. Thus sudden, rapid movement when these parts are constricted can result in a painful "tear".

Statistics show that six to eight percent of sportsmen and women each year suffer from such injuries. Women and more elderly men are the most prone. Outdoor sports pursuits should, where possible, be moved indoors for two or three days if there is a sudden, drastic plunge in the temperature. Even with a move under cover, participants should still do warm-up exercises before competition begins. A doctor also reminds them not to eat for at least two hours before any sports activity, especially if it is vigorous.