[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/07\/common-summer-injuries\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/07\/common-summer-injuries\/","headline":"Follow These 8 Tips to Prevent Common Summer Injuries","name":"Follow These 8 Tips to Prevent Common Summer Injuries","description":"Prevent a trip to the doctor\u2019s office this summer with these eight safety tips from the experts at UPMC Orthopaedic Care.","datePublished":"2017-07-01","dateModified":"2019-05-17","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/orthopaedics-regions","name":"UPMC Orthopaedic Care","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/orthopaedics-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/orthopaedic-surgery\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/kids-at-beach_blg.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/kids-at-beach_blg.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/07\/common-summer-injuries\/","about":["Orthopaedics"],"wordCount":371,"keywords":["injuries","injury prevention","safety","summer safety","UPMC Orthopaedic Care"],"articleBody":"Whether you\u2019re working in the yard or just enjoying the warm weather with family and friends, you can prevent a trip to the doctor\u2019s office this summer with these eight safety tips from the experts at UPMC Orthopaedic Care.For more information from orthopaedic care experts, visit UPMC.com\/Ortho, or call 1-866-987-ORTHO (6784) to make an appointment.Safety Tips to Prevent Summer Injuries Use proper tools while gardeningKnee pain, back pain, and related injuries can result from kneeling, squatting, or bending while gardening. Try using a stool, tools with extensions or long handles, or consider raised planters to protect your back and knees.Warm-up before physical activitySummer picnics are a popular time for games of kickball, softball, and volleyball. Take the time to stretch and warm-up properly, and rest and recover between rounds. Preparing your body for physical activity can help prevent injuries.Wear a helmet while riding a bikeYou can help prevent head injuries by wearing a properly-fitted helmet.Do not dive in shallow waterDiving into shallow water can result in spinal cord injuries. Make sure you always know how deep the water is before diving. If you don\u2019t know, don\u2019t dive.Hydrate, hydrate, hydrateHeat-related illness, especially heat stroke, is preventable. Begin hydrating before you head outdoors or engage in a physical activity. Remember to continue drinking water throughout the day.Keep your hands away from the blades of a lawn mowerThousands of people show up in emergency rooms each year with injuries they sustained while using a lawn mower. Spinning blades can cause injuries, such as fractures and lacerations. Always take special care when operating lawn mowers and other machinery.Protect your feetFlip flops are perfect for the pool, but can often cause arch and heel strains because they offer little to no support. Find a flip flop that has arch support and limit your time wearing them.Practice your swingGolf is a popular recreational sport, but also a common cause of back, shoulder, and elbow injuries due to poor swing mechanics and overuse. Consider taking lessons with a golf pro to improve your form, and rest when your muscles and joints are sore."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"07","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/07\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Follow These 8 Tips to Prevent Common Summer Injuries","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/07\/common-summer-injuries\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]