VUE

MOTORCYCLE AND ATV RIDING SAFETY For our daredevils out there, the most im- portant things to be conscious of during motorcycle or ATV rides are head and neck injuries. "In terms of ATVs, concussions should al- ways be on the primary list of things to be aware of," Dr. Shah explained. Wearing a helmet will pre- vent most injuries; however, helmets don't protect against spinal fractures that can lead to paralysis. It should go without saying, but the best way to pre- vent spinal injuries is to obey the speed limit and stay off the road in inclement weather. In the fall, be aware of leaves that become slippery. PREVENTATIVE FITNESS ROUTINES & PRECAUTION Weekend warriors should focus some ef- fort into weekday preventative routines as typical injuries result from herniated lumbar discs. Core-strengthening exercises including yoga and Pilates fortify the lumbar-protecting core and prevent herniated lumbar discs. Pay close attention to other regions of the extremities, aside from the back, as a herniated disc can cause other areas to experience symptoms as well. A herniated disc in the neck may cause numbness, weakness, and pain in the arm (not just the neck) while a herniated disc in the back may cause numbness, weakness, and pain in one leg or the other. Older adults who smoke cigarettes are predisposed to brittle disc spaces as blood supply diminishes with age and smoking leads to loss of oxygenation in disc spaces. Elderly individuals are encouraged to walk 25 minutes daily, as this training in- creases resilience in paraspinal and core muscles. "Also be aware of potential neurogenic claudication lumbar stenosis that causes fatigue in both legs and presents as walking more stooped forward and not being able to walk as far when standing up straight," Dr. Arginte- anu suggested. BY RACHEL MONTEL - Hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, golfing, tennis, ATVing—a few of the warm weather activities we look forward to. But not all of us have stayed active in the winter months as we will be over the summer, making us prone to injury. VUE Magazine spoke with Dr. Marc Arginteanu, Dr. Jeff Pavell and Dr. Asit Shah—Chiefs of Neurosurgery, Rehabilitation Medicine, Orthopedics at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center respectively—to discuss frequent seasonal injuries and preventative measures one can take before jumping into the deluge of summer fun. P R E V E N T I N G I N J U R Y A N D S T A Y I N G A C T I V E PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES THE ACTIVE PARENT Parents looking to engage in activities with their kids should remember to stretch beforehand to avoid risk of back spasms or shoulder injury. "Start by being flexible or start stretching before throwing a baseball," Dr. Shah added. "Elderly patients are coming in more fit or wanting to be fit more than ever before, but their reaction times are not as fast as they were when they were younger. Their balance and their peripheral reflexes aren't as good as they once were." It's important for these individuals looking to bike ride to assess their balance, and if not well, bike in a more controlled environment in order to prevent injuries such as hip fractures. VUE ON WELLNESS V U E N J . C O M 114

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