101 Critical Days of Summer: Chapter 2, Iron Man

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amber Corcoran
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  This feature is the second of 16 in the 101 Critical Days of Summer series from 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs.

More than 10,000 people receive treatment in emergency departments from sports, recreational activities and exercise each year. In the Air Force between 2009 and 2013, there were 2,468 reported sports injuries on-duty and 1,268 off-duty.

As part of the 101 Critical Days of Summer Campaign, Chapter 2: Iron Man, focuses on injury prevention while still enjoying summer activities.

"Part of being an Airman means putting service before self, as stated in the Air Force core values," said Russell Knowles, 2nd Bomb Wing Safety. "In order to meet this obligation, you must keep yourself ready to fly, fight and win at all times, mentally and physically. If you don't do everything you can to prepare for participation in your favorite summer sport, you may end up being sidelined and unable to put service before self."

According to National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, a division of the Consumer Products Safety Commission, statistics for 2012, basketball has overtaken biking - with 569,746 injuries - for the single most accident and injury-prone summer activity; biking is second with 556,660.

The most common basketball injuries are ankle sprains, jammed fingers, knee injuries, deep thigh bruising, facial cuts and foot fractures.

The follow are some tips for preventing these injuries:

-Maintain proper fitness - injury rates are higher in athletes who have not adequately prepared physically.

-After a period of inactivity, progress gradually back to full-contact basketball through activities such as aerobic conditioning, strength training, and agility training.

-Avoid overuse injuries. Listen to your body and decrease training time and intensity if pain or discomfort develops. This will reduce the risk of injury and help avoid "burn-out."

According to the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, the second most injury-prone summer activity, biking, has common injuries that include: tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, abrasions, fractures, sprains, strains, and concussions. To prevent these injuries, start with proper equipment, such as a helmet and proper preparation.

After preparing for favorite summertime activities, remember that each sport has its own risks, which can be mitigated by using risk management techniques.