Health Tip: Skateboard Safely

(HealthDay News) -- Skateboarding is as popular as ever, especially among younger children and teens.

To keep them safe, here''s a list of suggestions to prevent skateboard injuries, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

• Use a quality skateboard, and keep it in working order.
• Learn the basic skills of the sport.
• Wear protective equipment, including a helmet, wrist guards, knee and elbow pads, and proper shoes.
• Be careful with tricks and jumps.
• Stay in shape.
• Don''t use headphones while skateboarding.
• Know what to do in an emergency.

-- Kimberly Sferruzzo

Last Updated: Nov. 1, 2005