Preventing minor accidents during recreational sports
Anyone who plays sports can get injured in the process. Of the 190,000 accidents that occur during recreational sports each year, insurers count 120,000 as so-called minor accidents. However, the risk of injury can be reduced.
Missed a root or curb while hiking or jogging? Twisted your ankle and fallen unexpectedly? Who has not experienced this. Such an injury can happen quickly. It is not life-threatening and often has no dramatic consequences. Nevertheless, minor accidents can be painful and bring a premature end to sporting enjoyment. The nearly 120,000 minor accidents in recreational sports cost insurers 121 million Swiss francs annually. This amounts to around 1,000 francs per case.
More men affected by minor accidents
Although, according to the study, the women "Sport Switzerland 2020 von Lamprecht and Stamm have caught up strongly in recreational sports, it is mainly men who sustain injuries, with 84,000 minor accidents. The most common types of injuries are: Dislocations, strains, contusions and tears of tendons and muscles in the lower extremities. "Despite the increase in sports activities among the population, the percentage of minor accidents compared to other recreational sports accidents is holding steady. According to accident reports, minor accidents tend to occur in the evening and during the week," explains Sandra Degen, Suva's statistics expert.
Mindfulness during sports helps prevent injuries
Being physically as well as mentally on task during an athletic activity reduces the risk of injury. "A mobilizing warm-up prepares you not only physically but also mentally for a run or fitness workout. Or when hiking, walking poles take pressure off the joints and help balance. When cycling, concentration and anticipatory riding help to recognize obstacles and precarious situations at an early stage so that you can react in time," explains Corinne Decurtins, prevention expert at Suva. Not all accidents can be prevented. But in the case of minor accidents, everyone can reduce the risk of injury with little effort and a little personal responsibility.
The most important tips summarized:
- Get the body in the right mood for the sport with a warm-up workout.
- Do not let your mind wander and concentrate fully on the matter at hand when practicing the desired sport.
- Respect the physical and mental shape of the day.
- Have the sports equipment serviced regularly by a specialist dealer and checked for safety.
- Remain fair; do not endanger your own health or the health of others through reckless behavior.
Source: Suva
