SUNDAY, Jan. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Skiing, snowboarding, skating and sledding are great ways to have winter fun, but be sure to take steps to reduce your risk of injuries, experts say.
In 2017, U.S. emergency departments, doctors' offices and clinics treated: 68,809 people for skiing-related injuries, 54,349 people for snowboard-related injuries, 52,308 people for ice skating-related injuries, and 4,499 people for toboggan-related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
"Overexerting yourself on the slopes can lead to injuries ending your run for the season," said Dr. Lori Reed, a spokesperson for American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
"Individuals are at an increased risk of injuries such as sprains, strains, dislocations and fractures due to exhaustion," Reed said in an academy news release. "You can prevent these by staying in good physical condition year-round and listening to your body. Don't push your body when you are in pain or too tired."
Here are winter sports safety tips from the AAOS:
More information
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has more on outdoor winter safety.