Prevention of Sports injuries

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It is difficult for professional and competitive athletes to prevent injuries all the time, because of their intense and frequent training. But for most other people injuries are usually a result of accidents that could have been prevented.

The most important way to prevent sports injuries is to make sure that you have completed an adequate warm-up session before taking part in a sports activity. Starting with some gentle exercise such as walking or slow jogging, followed by some gentle stretches, will increase blood flow to the muscles and reduce the risk of muscle strains occurring. The territorial army website, Get Fitta, has some easy-to-follow stretches and warm-up exercises.

Try not to over-do it at first. If you havenâ€™t had much exercise for a long time, strenuous activity could be more harmful than beneficial.

Be honest with yourself about what you can achieve, youâ€™ll soon be able to increase your activity as you become fitter.

Drink plenty of water, especially when the weather is warm or when you are participating in sports that require endurance. Dehydration can reduce your physical and mental fitness.

Protective equipment is essential in some sports, particularly activities that involve person to person contact. Cricket boxes, shin pads, and gloves are all examples of equipment that should be worn to prevent injury.

Protective headwear is one of the most important pieces of sports equipment. Head guards and helmets protect the skull and the brain from injuries caused by knocks to the head during sports and greatly reduce the risk of serious head injuries.