r1D In-Line Skating
Needs Protection
\
ON THE ROAD To GOOD HEALTH,
ALISON ASHTON
SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS
In-line skaters who outfit them-
selves with wrist guards may not
be getting as much protection as
they think. The guards can help
protect against scrapes and abra-
sions, but more serious injuries,
such as fractures, can still occur,
according to Dr. Frank B. Giaco-
betti, an orthopedic resident at
Thomas Jefferson University in
Philadelphia.
Learn the
basics of the sport,
including
how to
stop properly.
IT'S ALWAYS WISE
WHO KNOW THE WAY.
\X'
No one is more qualified as a guide to healthy
living than a primary care physician. And by
Using cadaver arms and a spe-
cial hydraulic testing apparatus
to simulate the pressure that oc-
curs when a skater falls on an
outstretched arm, Dr. Giacobet-
ti and his colleagues "found no
significant difference in the types
of fractures sustained in the arms
with or without the wrist
guards."
In-line skating is one of the
fastest-growing recreational
sports, and it led to 76,116 emer-
gency-room visits in 1994.
Although Dr. Giacobetti hopes
these findings will encourage
manufacturers to produce more
protective gear, he says there are
still steps skaters can take to pro-
tect themselves:
Learn the basics of the sport,
including how to stop properly.
Continue to wear protective
gear.
When you feel you are going to
fall, try to land on your right or
left side instead of breaking the
fall with an outstretched hand.
Do warm-up and cool-down ex-
ercises before and after skating.
Avoid skating on crowded
walkways, obey traffic signals,
stay on the right side of the road,
and do not weave in and out.
choosing one from The Detroit Medical Center
Do you have an item for "Hot Shots"?
"Hot Shots" is a periodic column rec-
ognizing medical professionals for
achievements in their field. Please
send items to Jill Davidson Sklar at
The Jewish News, 27676 Franklin,
Southfield, MI 48034. A picture would
be appreciated. It can be color or
black-and-white, but it must be in fo-
cus. If you wish to have the picture
returned, you must enclose a self-ad-
dressed, stamped envelope.
referred to a specialist if needed. The DMC
provides care in 80 medical specialties and sub-
specialties. In fact, the DMC is renown for specialized
(DMC), you and your family will be assured expert
care every step of the way.
treatment in many areas including
cancer, heart
To start, our primary care physicians specialize in
disease and birth defects.
And, thanks in part to ongoing partnerships with
one of four areas: family medicine, internal medi-
the Karmanos L
cine, pediatrics or ob/
and Wayne State University School
gyn. This allows you to
select one who best suits your needs.
And with
Cancer Institute
of Medicine,
the DMC's role as a leader continues to grow
In short, providing your family with some of the
seven hospitals, 45 outpatient centers and nearly 700
most comprehensive health care in
office locations, it's easy to get the care you need
with a primary care physician from the DMC.
within minutes
from your home or workplace.
Finally, and perhaps the greatest
HOT SHOTS
To BRING SOMEONE
advantage of having a primary care physician from
Call us at
the country starts
-
1-800-666-3466.
It's the first step toward good health. And for every
step that follows, we'll be there to guide you.
the DMC, is the wealth of resources available to you.
Wayne State University
For instance, anyone in your family can be quickly
The Detroit
Medical Center