For most people, snow removal is an expected chore. But, for some, the risk of a heart attack or back injury is a reality. If you are not in good physical condition or have existing heart disease or a personal history of stroke, you are at a higher risk for injury. Snow removal can be especially dangerous if you do not exercise regularly.

Sledding Safety

Sledding down a snowy hill has long been a favorite winter activity.  While the bumpy ride can be thrilling, it can also be dangerous.  Every year thousands of people are injured sledding in parks, streets and recreational areas.  Most of these injuries are preventable.

Winter Sports Injury: Snow Skiing

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were more than 144,000 snow skiing-related injuries treated in hospitals, doctor's offices, and emergency rooms in 2010. Injuries associated with snowboarding were even greater: 148,000.

Common Ski Injuries:

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Be Rattlesnake Aware

You are most likely to encounter a rattlesnake when walking, hiking, climbing, or camping. You're likely to find rattlesnakes around rocks, shrubs, tall grasses, and brush. They like hot surfaces and you'll often see them sunning themselves on rocks, pavement, or trails.

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It is transmitted in the saliva through the bite of infected animals.

Rabies in Colorado

In Colorado and throughout the United States, many different wild animal species can carry rabies. Skunks and bats are the most significant sources of rabies in Colorado, but other wild animals can also be infected. Domestic animals, such as dogs, cats, horses, and livestock can become infected with rabies through contact with wild animals. Small rodents and rabbits do not usually carry rabies.

Falling down is not just part of getting older. It is serious problem and one that impacts 33% of adults, age 65 and older. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries, and annually lead to more than 500,000 hospitalizations a year. In 2010 alone, the estimated direct medical costs were $30 Billion.

Playgrounds can be wonderful places for families to exercise and play. They are also the source of hundreds of thousands of emergency visits to the emergency department for preschool and elementary aged children. (Between 2001 - 2008, an average of 218, 851 preschool and elementary children received emergency department care for injuries that occurred on playground equipment. Forty deaths were associated with playgrounds.) Fortunately, many of these injuries are preventable by following these safety tips.

What is Lead?

Lead is a naturally occurring metal found in the environment. It does not have a particular taste or smell. Human bodies do not need lead. When a person is exposed to lead by eating, drinking or breathing contaminated particles, it can be absorbed into the body. This can potentially cause health problems, especially with the brain, nervous systems and kidneys. Children, infants and fetuses are at especially high risk.

Risk for Injury

More than 235,000 adults and 17,000 children in the U.S. were injured by lawn mowers in 2010, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Boys sustain 80% of lawnmower injuries, which most often occur on the arms or the hands.

Riding lawn mowers cause more injuries each year than push mowers, because they tip and roll over, placing a child at risk of being run over and severely injured.

Preventing Lawnmower Injuries