VIDEO
How to Protect Your Body Before and After a Marathon
Protect your body when playing sports
Here are three tips for adults and children:
• Use recommended protective gear. Wear a helmet that fits snugly when bicycling, skating, snowboarding, skiing, and scooting. Make sure your child always wears recommended safety equipment such as wrist guards, kneepads, and a mouth guard when playing sports.
• Always take 5 to 10 minutes to warm up and stretch before and after physical activity. Hold stretches for at least 10 to 30 seconds. Encourage your child to stretch, too, before sports practice and games.
• Don’t overdo it. Too much exercise can be as bad as too little exercise.
According to government figures, baby boomers riding bicycles die from head injuries at nearly twice the rate as children riding bicycles because they aren’t wearing helmets.
