Injuries Abound Among Baby Boomers

As health-minded Baby Boomers continue to increase physical
activity levels, injuries among this group have followed suit.
A 2000 report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov/LIBRARY/boomer.pdf; retrieved August 18, 2008) cites a significant increase in sports injury–related doctor visits among Boomers between 1991 and 1998. Boomers are said to
account for one-third of all sports participants nationwide;
however, improper warm-ups, age-related structural changes
and inadequate supplemental training are sending this group to
the hospital in droves. If you work with Boomers, you might
provide these injury prevention tips, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

• Get clearance from a doctor prior to participation.
• Complete a thorough warm-up before playing a sport.
• Supplement the sport with a sound fitness program.
• Get adequate rest to allow soft- and hard-tissue structures to recuperate.

For more information on this topic, visit www.orthoinfo.org.