$Unique_ID{BRK02088}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Recommended Safety Precautions for In-Line Skaters}
$Subject{in line skates skate injuries injury prevention road burn abrasion}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Recommended Safety Precautions for In-Line Skaters


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QUESTION:  My son has finally won the ongoing discussion and now is the proud
owner of a pair of those new in line skates.  He bought them with money he
earned himself, and it was hard to say "no".  Now what has an anxious mother
to look forward to?  I know injuries are probably inevitable, but is there
anything I can do to prevent them?  Please answer this question for all the
anxious Moms with the same problem.

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ANSWER:  There must be many such mothers, for I recently learned that the
annual sales of in-line skates exceeds $53 million.  And you are right, these
skates are tricky, and it takes a bit of practice to learn how to use them
correctly.  The most common injury is "road burn", that occurs when the skin
meets the road.  This abrasion can be quite serious, even requiring more than
the first aid you will soon become expert in, but there is much that can be
done to prevent the injuries from becoming too serious.  Part of it requires
proper clothing, like full jeans or sweat pants, and clothing that covers the
arms if possible.  The rest requires proper safety gear.  Your son may have to
go back to work, but as I see it he needs a helmet, gloves, shin pads, elbow
pads and knee pads, possibly wrist guards as well, if he is going to be
properly attired for what must be considered a high-risk sport.  Your job will
be to make sure that all this gear is in place if you wish to prevent some of
the injuries you fear.  And caution him that even the so called "pros" can
fall as well, and using this equipment will save his skin in the long run.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.