Health Tip: Sledding Safely

(HealthDay News) - Sledding may be a long-anticipated part of a child''s winter fun, but it also can lead to injuries.

Follow these safety tips to prevent accidents, courtesy of the National Safety Council:

• Before use of any sled or toboggan, parents should carefully inspect them for any broken parts or sharp pieces.
• Children who are 8 years old or younger shouldn''t sled unsupervised.
• Dress warmly and in layers, including a hat and gloves.
• Sled only in wide-open areas that are far from lakes, roads and traffic.
• Don''t sled down extremely steep hills.
• Don''t sled in areas with trees, rocks, shrubs and other potential obstacles.
• Don''t sled down a hill head-first -- always feet-first.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Nov. 16, 2007

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