(WTNH) — The cold weather is coming and that means it may be easier for you and your kids to get hurt if you’re playing sports outside. When the air temperature drops, the ground temperature does too.
The ground also gets harder, so if you fall it’s easier to get hurt. Though you might think drinking water is most important when it’s hot outside, doctors say it’s just as important to drink up when it’s cold out. They recommend drinking something warm, like soup broth. It’s important to pay attention to both the air temperature and the wind chill.
“There’s a wind chill chart that we keep an eye on, and exposed skin can be frostbitten within 30 minutes at certain temperatures,” said Nate Hepner, Director of Sports Medicine at the University of New Haven.
“We keep an eye on some of our smaller guys who have a little bit less mass.”
Athletes with asthma might have some trouble when it is cold out, since going from a warm room indoors to the cold can trigger it. Doctors recommend keeping an extra eye on your kids when they’re playing sports on a chilly day.
“Kids are obviously not just small adults,” said Dr. Alan Reznik, an orthopedic surgeon who practices sports medicine. “They have a bigger surface area per pound of body weight, so they cool off much faster than adults. So if you feel comfortable your kid might be a little cooler.”
On very cold days it’s best to wear three layers. A polyester shirt is a good base layer. It will wick moisture away from your skin. Layer a cotton shirt or fleece jacket on top. If you’re on the sidelines you’ll want to wear a windproof coat over that.
