A completed suicide occurs when an individual ends their own life. It is a serious public health issue that can have a huge impact on a family, an office, a school or even an entire community.

Talking about suicide is a difficult conversation that many just avoid, and some feel that not talking about the subject will make the problem disappear.

Winter Sports Injury Prevention Tips: Snowmobiling

More than 1.5 million snowmobiles in the United States will venture into the back country each winter. The majority of snowmobile accidents involved collisions with fixed or moving objects such as fence posts, barbed wire, trees, cars, and other snowmobiles.

Last year, the National Safety Council recorded about 156 deaths associated with snowmobiles. Fatalities have resulted from riding on thin ice, freezing when stranded after a breakdown and decapitation by running through a barbed wire fence.

Snow Thrower Safety

Snow throwers are wonderful devices for helping us clear away the heavy Colorado snow. However, they can also cause serious injuries. The Orthopedic Experts at Denver Health encourage you to be smart when using these powerful tools.

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:

Sick of smoking and trying to quit? Call the Colorado QuitLine for free support from a Quit Coach and free nicotine patches.

Free Support and Quit Plan

This includes a personal quit plan from a Quit Coach, plus tips and support that improves your chances of quitting for good.

Free Nicotine Patches

A free supply of nicotine patches that helps control your cravings will be mailed to you. In order to receive nicotine patches, you must participate in the Colorado QuitLine program and be at least 18 years old.

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.