Remember your feet when sledding!

Are you tired of the cold and snow yet? If so, then that makes at least two of us. I can't wait to drive my car without having to clear the windshield and to be able to comfortably walk around without being bundled up. Unfortunately, springtime is still a couple months away and there's more snow in the forecast.
There is, however, one thing I enjoy about snow season. Whether it's the first snow of the year or the 20th, a fresh snow always seems to awaken us from our indoor hibernation. I always see the young and the young at heart out enjoying snow right after it's fallen. In my neighborhood, that usually means that most of us are sledding. I've often seen sledders and thought to myself how unsafe they're being. I must admit that I too have done some risky sledding. The problem with this is that we see far too many preventable, snow-related injuries. If you plan on sledding in the predicted snow, please follow these tips:

1. Choose proper equipment. I've seen people use anything from laundry baskets to pizza boxes. These devices can send you down the hill going backwards which can be dangerous for everyone. Instead of using whatever you have laying around, always use a store-bought sled designed for the snow because these are less likely to spin around. Also, be sure to read and adhere to the capacity guidelines of the sled. Putting more people on it than it can hold is unsafe.
2. Dress for success. When bundling up, be sure to protect your feet. Wear moisture-wicking, wool socks and insulated, weather-proof shoes to shield your feet from the elements.
3. Use hills! We're in the mountains which means mother nature has provided us with tons of natural sledding ground - take advantage of it. The use of ATVs or even golf carts when sledding is dangerous because it makes you more likely to be thrown off of the sled. Chances are that you'll land wrong and injury your ankle.
4. Clear the area. Find a place that is both free of dangers such as trees, fences, and roads and that gives you plenty of space to stop. It is a natural instinct to stop ourselves with our feet if we're about to sled into something. Clearing the area prevents this and any foot injuries that it may cause.

I know that fresh snow is exciting and that even those who know the precautions just get caught up in the fun of it all. With that being said, I can't stress to you enough how important it is to sled carefully or not at all. Please enjoy the snow but do so safely.

Inspired by http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Lifestyle/Family-Fun/Winter-Sledding-Safety-Tips.html