Play safe
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Importance of Safe Play
You can't prevent every bruise and scrape, but you can help prevent play related injuries. This is even more important when thinking about children, who are more at risk for injuries.
- Before you start a new sport or physical activity, make sure you learn how to play properly. Learning the rules, techniques and appropriate behaviours for a certain sport or activity will help you avoid unnecessary injuries.
- Warm up for at least five minutes before playing. It's easier to get hurt when playing a sport if you have cold, stiff muscles.
- Hydration is important. Be sure to drink lots of water before and during the game.
- Make sure kids wear the right gear for the game. Get the size that fits and make sure it's worn the right way. Check out these sports gear safety tips
- Children should wear sunscreen when playing outdoors. Make sure sunscreen is applied at least 15 minutes before the game begins. Reapply as directed.
Concussions
A concussion is a type of brain injury often linked to physical activity. Concussions usually happen because of a hit to:
- the face
- the head
- the neck
- another part of the body
When a head or body hit takes place the brain moves inside the skull and can become injured. Concussions are usually not life threatening, but they need treatment from health professionals. Learn more about concussion prevention and treatment.