Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/915948
children are properly dressed, sledding requires some safety precautions. When the snow season begins, be sure to check your sled for any damage before using it and make sure that it can be steered easily. If it fails inspection, get a new sled before hitting the hill. When choosing a sledding location, try to find a less populated area and a hill no steeper than 30 degrees. This will minimize the chance of sledding collisions. "Check the terrain and your surroundings before your children hop on a sled," says Steven Gelman, M.D., pediatrician and director of the outpatient clinic at NYP Brooklyn Methodist. "Have them sled well away from trees, objects like fire hydrants and, of course, streets. Also, limit the ride to one child on one sled at a time, unless the child is under five years old, in which case he or she should only ride a sled with an adult." Children should be seated on the sled with their feet forward. "Wearing a hockey or ski helmet while sledding is also a good idea," Dr. Gelman says. Some children may be interested in skiing or snowboarding. If so, they should be taught by a qualified instructor before attempting to tackle the slopes. Adult supervision is a must for younger children, while teenagers should ski in groups or with one or two friends. Kids should try on all skiing and snowboarding equipment every year to make sure it still fits properly. If it doesn't, replace necessary items to help ensure safety. Goggles, elbow pads, kneepads and wrist guards can help protect the eyes and bones of little skiers and snowboarders. Teach children to watch for and avoid icy patches on the slope and only attempt to ski and snowboard on marked trails that match their skill level and capability. ON THE ICE Outdoor ice skating is another classic winter activity for children. Children should be supervised and reminded to watch their speed as they develop skills on the ice. Here again, protective equipment like hockey helmets, elbow pads and kneepads are a good idea, especially for younger children and beginning skaters. Skates should fit children comfortably and provide strong ankle support to prevent twisted and sprained ankles and feet. Also, stick to public skating rinks instead of frozen ponds or lakes to ensure that the ice is fully frozen. Hypothermia Symptoms • Shivering • Exhaustion or drowsiness • Confusion or slurred speech • Bright red, cold skin Frostbite Symptoms • Skin that is red, numb or painful to touch • White, gray or yellow skin pallor • Firm or waxy skin texture • Blistering When hypothermia or frostbite is suspected, seek immediate medical attention. If frostbite is suspected in the arms, hands, legs or feet, immerse the affected area in warm water, if possible. Otherwise, keep the child in a warm area, under multiple layers of dry clothing and blankets until help arrives, and offer the child a warm beverage like hot cocoa or tea. H Y P O T H E R M I A & F R O S T B I T E : K N O W T H E S I G N S F IN D A D O C T O R 718 . 49 9.C A R E ( 2 27 3 ) 17