Lose Extra Pounds to Decrease Leg Injury Risk

As I’ve been watching the Olympics, alternatively admiring the skill of athletes and questioning why anyone would even think about launching oneself off ski jumps or into bobsled chutes, I’ve seen a fair amount of falls, spills, and tumbles. Amazingly, despite the number of falls, the amount of serious injuries has been very few. These athletes really highlight how being in shape helps reduce your risk of injury — although even one in fantastic shape will have injuries after more serious trauma.

In an interesting study by Dr. Pomerantz and colleague from the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, obesity in children was linked to an increased risk of sprains, strains, and joint dislocations. In this study, injuries to the legs, ankles, and feet were twice as common in obese kids compared with their normal weight peers. Nearly one in three obese children had an injury to the leg or foot. On the other hand, heavier children were less likely to get concussions or cuts. About 15 percent of normal weight children got head injuries, compared with 10 percent of obese children.

Dr. Pomerantz advised getting children active in exercise programs — but doing so gradually. And what better way to start your exercise program than walking with Fido! Dog walks are ideal for being able to adjust pace, distance, and terrain to suit your exercise capabilities. So whether it’s an hour hike in the woods — like I did with my wheatens this morning in foot-deep snow (now THAT’S a good workout!) — or the 20 minute pre-dinner stroll around the neighborhood this afternoon — dog walking is great exercise for you and for Fido!