Don't Hurt Yourself!

We are entering the danger zone, as almost 15,000 walkers and runners are gearing up for the Hood to Coast/Portland to Coast Relay in 10 days. An incredible number of them will twist their ankles, pull a hamstring, or just fall down-go boom this weekend and leave their walking or running teams in the lurch. Because that's what Baby Boomers do - they hurt themselves being Weekend Warriors. Those over 50 forget that they aren't as flexible or resilient as they were in their younger years. We are so good with the hair dye and the moisturizers (or Botox) at looking 10 years younger that we forget we aren't really 10 years younger.

Take these Baby Boomer Exercise Safety Tips to heart, and maybe you won't end up on the Injured List for your next big walk or run. The list is from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). I guess they have enough business already, they don't need yours!

Here is a list of injuries just from my Knights of Knee walking team for the past couple of yearly Portland to Coast Walks: 1. Sprained ankle night before the race. 2. Needed knee replacement and walked in deep pain. 3. Bad plantar fasciitis/heel spur. 4. Major cold/flu respiratory bug. 5. Hernia pain during walk.
Photo: Nancy's sprained ankle © Wendy Bumgardner 2006