Injuries are the fifth leading health problem. They are defined as damage to a biological organism and are commonly caused by motor vehicle accidents, falls, and poisoning. Prevention strategies include wearing seat belts, limiting distractions while driving or walking, using proper shoes, labeling hazardous materials, and warming up and cooling down properly before and after exercise to prevent injuries like muscle soreness, sprains, tendonitis, contusions, and fractures.

1. Injuries Number five on list of Top 10 Health Problems

2. Definition Damage to a biological organism

3. Causes Leading cause of fatal injuries in both men and women: Motor Vehicle Accidents Others: Falls Poisoning Exercise related injuries

4. Prevention Motor Vehicle Accidents – Wear seat belt Don’t drive fatigued Limit distractions Falls – Proper shoes Limit distractions Be aware of surrounding objects Poisoning – Label bottles (cleaning agents) Lock cabinets that contain hazardous materialand medications

5. Exercise Related Injuries Muscle Soreness: Normal 1-2 days following workout Stiffness and soreness may persist for a week or more Rest, ice, stretching, and extended warm ups can help repair sore areas Eccentric training associated with muscle soreness Sprains: Defined as a damaged ligament Can range from over-stretching and micro-tears to complete tears Treated with ice, extended rest, and possible surgical repair depending on the grade of sprain

6. Exercise Related Injuries Tendonitis: Defined as an injury to the tendon or muscle Treated with ice, rest, anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling, and possible exercise routines to strengthen supporting muscle groups Contusions: Usually caused by a blow or strike to the muscle that causes bleeding and swelling under the skin Also known as a bruise Muscle function and range of motion may be impacted due to blood coagulation and the build of scar tissue Treatment consists of rest, ice, and light muscle massage

7. Exercise Related Injuries Fracture: Involves a chip or break in the bone ‘Stress fractures’ are not true fractures (weakened areas of the bone), that lead to fractures of the bone if not treated Treatment involves immobilization of the impacted area with a cast and therapy once the cast is removed to recondition the area

8. Prevention Proper Warm Up Proper Cool down Stretching Gradual increases in amount of exercise