| It was a typical case of "anything you can do, I | | | | Don't Skate Around The Basics |
| can do better." Mona had been a very good ice | | | | - Before you start take a lesson, including how to |
| skater as a girl, and she had even played on a | | | | fall safely, from a qualified instructor. Contact a |
| few ice hockey teams. | | | | local retailer, or search for safety tips on the |
| She was athletic and tough as nails. When the | | | | Internet. The National Safety Council Fact Sheet |
| teenage boy next door jokingly challenged her to | | | | Library is one source. |
| a rollerblade race, the competitor in her quickly | | | | - Achieve a basic skating level before taking to |
| accepted the dare. Mona, Super Mother and Editor | | | | the road. |
| of the Local Newspaper, laced on a pair of | | | | - Observe all traffic regulations. |
| borrowed skates, took a quick practice run, and | | | | - Skate on smooth, paved surfaces away from |
| rolled to the starting line. | | | | heavy traffic and crowds of people. |
| Ten yards into the contest, she hit a rough piece | | | | - Do not skate on surfaces that have water, dirt, |
| of pavement, and she skidded to a stop on bare | | | | sand, or gravel on them. You'll lose traction and |
| hands and knees, breaking her wrist in the | | | | control of your skates. |
| process. Her accident didn't make the front page | | | | - Avoid intersections at the bottom of hills. |
| of her paper, and Mona felt lucky it didn't make | | | | - Do not skate at night. It is difficult to see |
| the obituary page, either. | | | | obstacles in your path, or to be seen by others. |
| More than 15 million people participate in | | | | - Skate on the right side of paths, trails, and |
| rollerblading, or inline skating. And that includes | | | | sidewalks. |
| many adults. About 25,000 skaters are treated in | | | | - Warn pedestrians when you are approaching |
| hospital emergency rooms every year. | | | | from the rear. |
| Dress For Failure | | | | - Inspect your boots each time you skate. |
| Fractures to the wrist and lower arm account for | | | | - Rotate the wheels when they begin to wear |
| nearly half of all injuries to skaters. Lacerations, | | | | unevenly. |
| abrasions, head injuries, and concussions are also a | | | | - Skate defensively, especially on streets. Skaters |
| danger. The proper equipment can cut down on | | | | are more invisible and vulnerable than bicyclists. |
| the danger when the inevitable spill occurs. | | | | - Check out a new route by bicycle or car before |
| Equipment includes: | | | | skating it. |
| - a helmet with a hard plastic shell and padding | | | | Skateboard Warnings |
| underneath. It should have a chin strap, and it | | | | Over 100,000 skateboarders require emergency |
| should not block your vision or hearing. Be sure to | | | | room treatment each year, according to the |
| purchase helmets that meet the recommended | | | | Consumer Product Safety Commission. |
| safety standards set by ANSI or Snell. An | | | | Skateboarders with less than a week of |
| approved bicycle helmet will do. | | | | experience have the most injuries, usually due to |
| - elbow and knee pads designed for skating. They | | | | falls. |
| should have a hard shell cover and fit snugly so | | | | - Learn how to fall safely. |
| they don't slide out of place. | | | | - Do not ride a skateboard in the street. And |
| - wrist guards. They should have a hard plastic | | | | never hitch a ride on the bumper of a moving |
| splint on the top and bottom. Wrist guards and | | | | vehicle. |
| elbow pads help reduce the risk to these areas of | | | | - Check out the area for holes, bumps, rocks, and |
| the body by more than 80 percent. | | | | debris before you ride. Seek out parks and areas |
| - a good pair of gloves. | | | | designated for skateboards. |
| - Purchase the proper skates (or boot), based on | | | | - Never skate in the rain. |
| your skating experience and exercise goals. For | | | | - Always skate with friends. If you are injured, |
| best results, an inline skate boot should fit snugly | | | | you will need help. |
| but allow for a little extra toe room in the front. | | | | - Wear closed, slip-resistant shoes, a helmet, wrist |
| Go to a store with knowledgeable sales people. | | | | braces, gloves, and special padding for knees, |
| - Wear a thin liner of silk or polypropylene under a | | | | elbows and hips. |
| medium-weight athletic sock. Thick, all-cotton | | | | - Before using a board, check it for hazards. |
| socks do not keep the feet dry and contribute to | | | | Serious defects should be repaired by a |
| blisters and other foot problems. | | | | professional. |