Health
H O O K- U P
health information for teens and
young adults
Inside this issue
Volume 4 | Issue 2
2
3
4
Rock the
right gear
Make your
snow day
a smash
Chill out in
the snow
h e a l t h
i n f o r m a t i o n
f o r
y o u n g
a d u l t s
PG
1
Rock the right gear
Snowboarding, skiing, sledding,
ice skating, ice hockey and ice
fishing are some of the coolest,
most popular winter activities.
Before you hit the slopes or ice,
make sure that you’re rocking your
gear the right way.
You want to be layered up. This
means leggings or thermal under
your denim and hoodie. Pair a lined
winter jacket with a scarf, gloves
and hat. Hats are really important
because most of your body heat is
generated by your noggin, which
means that you’d be much warmer
if you don a cap.
If you’re a hockey player, you
should also sport a helmet as well
as a mouth guard.
Waterproof boots are major, and
you should double up on socks so
your tootsies stay toasty and dry.
You don’t want to be bundled
so tightly you can’t move.
Tight clothing can restrict your
circulation. Comfort is the key.
Follow these tips and you’ll be
winter time glam, ready to face
the elements.
If it’s your first time
participating in a winter
activity, don’t be afraid to
ask someone who’s more
experienced at it, like an
adult, coach or instructor,
for some pointers. A little
advice can go a long way.
Go with bright colors. You’ll stand
out on the slopes for your sweet
moves and be easier to find in case
you fall or have an accident.
If you’re a boarder or skier,
you should sport a helmet
and goggles.
PG
2
Tip:
HealthHook-Up
Make your snow day a smash
“Buzz, buzz, buzz,” your alarm rings. You wake up, jump out of bed and peek out your
bedroom window. To your happy surprise, your dream has come true: Everything is
blanketed in perfect, white snow.
It’s a snow day — what a score! You zip your fleece hoodie up over your long-sleeved
thermal; pull your snow pants over your jeans; stuff your feet into wool socks and your
waterproof boots. You throw on a hat; put on some gloves; and lastly
pull on your warm, winter jacket. You are ready to step into the wintry
wonderland waiting for you outside, and more importantly go sledding.
Following these 10 guidelines will help ensure that your
sledding experience is top-notch and one of the best you’ve
ever had.
How to sled like
a pro
Before you go sledding, you should dress warmly and wear bright colors.
For instance, a bright hat will stand out so people can easily see you.
Sled during the day.
Your sled must be in a good, working condition. Inspect it to
make sure that it doesn’t have any broken parts or jagged edges.
This way, everyone at the hill
will be able to see your perfect run.
Plus, it’s dangerous to sled at night or
when it’s difficult to see outside.
Find a buddy to sled with. It’s more fun, and someone is
with you, in case something happens. You should make sure
there is going to be adult supervision at the
sledding hill. Inform your parents or guardian that
you’re going sledding.
Don’t stand or lie down on the sled
and go down the hill. When sledding, you should
sit forwards not backwards. You don’t want to be
uncomfortable or get hurt.
Pick the perfect hill to sled down. The
If you’re sledding down a hill and you feel that you’re
going too fast, might crash into something or someone,
or are scared, just roll off the side of your sled. You can always
retrieve your sled at the bottom of the hill.
hill shouldn’t be too steep or icy.
It should be free of rocks, trees, fences
or anything else that you could run into.
The hill should not end on ice,
a parking lot or a road.
After you make it down the hill, get off your sled, pick it up and move to
Be safe and
have fun!
the side so the next person sledding down the hill doesn’t bump into you. Walk up
the side of the hill when you’re finished so that you don’t obstruct the sledding path.
Although sledding is lots of fun, make sure you don’t stay out in the cold for too long.
Take breaks to warm up in your house or car, and then head back out for more sledding fun.
h e a l t h
i n f o r m a t i o n
f o r
y o u n g
a d u l t s
PG
3
Chill out
in the
snow
Word Search
Angel
Jacket
Boots
Rock
Chill out
Skating
Cold
Sledding
Fishing
Smash
Gear
Snow
Hat
Snowboarding
Hockey
Snowman
Ice
Winter
Snow men, snow angels, snow days…. One of the best things
about winter is snow. Although white, fluffy snow makes
the winter season more fun, there are some snow safety
guidelines you should follow to ensure that you stay safe
throughout the winter season.
• Don’t bury your friends in snow or let friends bury you.
You could suffocate.
• Don’t throw snow balls. Snow balls may contain ice
chunks and could seriously hurt someone or damage
property.
• Don’t eat snow. It might contain mercury, soil or fecal
matter. These can all cause you to become very sick.
• Ice fishing, ice hockey and ice skating are popular winter
pastimes. One thing to watch out for when participating in
these activities is thin ice. Have an adult check the ice for
you before you play.
• Don’t play or hang out on snow hills or mounds near
parking lots or traffic. You shouldn’t play or hang out near
snow plows or snow blowers, either.
The information contained in this issue is at one or more of the following Web sites. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and
Blue Care Network do not control these Web sites or endorse their general content.
cdc.gov
mayoclinic.com
kidshealth.org
med.umich.edu
HealthHook-up is published by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
600 E. Lafayette Blvd., Mail Code 0260, Detroit, MI 48226
Editor: Jacquelyn Halas • Designer: Lisa Schmidt
Copyright 2008. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network of Michigan are
nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
PG
4
HealthHook-Up
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