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Salient. Official Newspaper of the Victoria University of Wellington Students Assn. Volume 40, No. 16. July 11 1977
Health Service
Health Service
The Accident Season — For Skiers
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It's that season again! Skiers are notorious for injuring themselves, either in full flight on the ski slopes or in one of the more down to earth accidents which occur apreski, such as slipping on icy steps.
The lower extremities are the most vulnerable. Torn muscles, sprained ligaments and bony fractures are all common injuries, affecting thighs, knees, legs and ankles.
Skiing places more demands on the body framework than most sports. To minimise injury skiers should embark on a phsical fitness programme before the season begins and continue this throughout the season.
Correct clothing and equipment also help to minimise accidents. Jeans are not good enough. Clothing must be warm and 50% woollen fibre is recommended. Attention to adequate food and drink can be crucial. Fatigue is a danger signal. Exhaustion, hunger, heat loss and lack of physical fitness may all contribute to exposure, the real killer on mountains.
The heart-warming illusion of the St Bernard bearing life-saving brandy must be shattered. The practice of giving alcohol to the injured is now condemned. Alcohol encourages blood flow to the skin and although the person's colour may temporarily improve, his general condition will be aggravated. Blood will be diverted from the vital organs such as the brain and further heat loss will be promoted.
If there is any possibility that a person may require an operation the rule is — Never Give Them Anything to Eat or Drink — because an anaesthetic cannot be given safely until the stomach is empty, three to four hours after the last intake.
Put safety first and you'll live to ski another day!
If you want to find out more, The Mountain Safety Council's "Skiing Manual" is available from Government Bookshops.
Jim's Gym
After a long absence we see the return this week of the literary masterpiece from the ever-active 'Gym' Jim the Extension Man.
Fitness Analysis Week 1977
Monday July 18th sees the beginning of the third Fitness Analysis week, and before you turn to another part of Salient in morbid fear o of finding out what you might regard as the worst news that you knew already, let me dispel the bogey of 'Fitness Analysis'.
For the past three years the Gym have given students the opportunity to obtain a profile of their own physical state with particular reference to the system in the body which has to cope with the stresses and strains of everyday life, today, tomorrow and every other day for another 60, 70, 90 yean. The Heart-Lung/Cardio-Vascular/Cardio-Respiratory system. The bit that leaves you gasping as you race for the bus clamber aboard and on your hands and knees, weakly request "2 sections please".
Another major area of concern is the incidence of coronary heart disease; and again for the older students about to embark on an exercise or activity programme then an "All systems go" check up is available using our EGG facility.
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The profile which you will obtain will be quick and easy to do. You will not be required to exert yourself to exhaustion (we made that mistake two years ago) and you will have the opportunity to discuss your profile with members of the Gym staff even to the extent of doing something about it!
What time?
Two noon on the 18 July - 22nd or if you are really pushed for time, arrange a time with Jan Brown at the Gym Store to get your profile.
The New Intra Mural Soccer Draw is in full swing during Wednesday lunchtimes and for those of you who desire the social pace then Basketball (Thursday 12-1.30) and Volleyball (Tuesday 12 - 1) is for you.
Now classes in Beginners Golf and Tumbling, start on Thyrsdays (11 - 12) while the ever faithful Badminton for beginners (Tuesday 11-12) and (Friday 10-11, 11-12) continues.
For more information on Fitness Analysis Week either ask at the Gym or read the display in the Union Foyer.
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