2014 WINTER WARNING: Keep your hands safe when using snow blowers

Snow Blower Safety

Recommendations for safe use of a jammed snow blower snow blowers include: (O C D  STICK)

1. If the snow blower jams, immediately turn it OFF

2. Disengage the CLUTCH

3. DELAY...Wait 10 seconds after shutting of to allow Impeller Blades to stop rotating

4. Always use a STICK or broom handle to clear impacted snow. The stick most be strong enough to avoid breakage or eye injures can result from flying fragments.

5. Never put your hand near chute or around blades

6. Keep all shields in place. Do not remove safety devices on machine

7. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts

8. Keep a clear head, concentrate and ...

    Do not drink alcoholic beverages before using a snow blower

As physicians dedicated to the care of the Hand and Upper extremity we want to inform the public concerning the perils and pitfalls of improper snow blower use.  Physicians, nurses, allied health professionals and therapists who deal with these injuries live in fear of the first heavy wet snow of the season. Invariably injuries are seen despite general knowledge that these injuries occur. These safety tips cannot guarantee against injury but hopefully if you are reading these or even better spreading these, it is one more step towards preventing these types of injuries.

*Injury Profile

Average age: 44 years

Sex: Male

Dominant hand — 90% of injuries

Amputations of tips of fingers

Middle finger most commonly injured

Common Weather Conditions

• Heavy, wet snow
• Large snow accumulation, greater than six inches
• Temperature: 28 degrees Fahrenheit or greater

Injury Causes

• Snow clogging the exit chute of the machine
• Not noticing that the impeller blades are still rotating even though the machine is off
• Operator attempts to clean the clogged exit chute with hands
• Hands connect with the rotating blades, resulting in severe injury

*portions taken from http://www.assh.org/Public/Safety/Pages/SnowblowerSafety.aspx

Snowblowers are safe if used properly.

Remember — if your snowblower jams:

• Turn it OFF!
• Disengage CLUTCH.
• DELAY, Wait five seconds after shutting machine off to allow impeller blades to stop rotating.
• ALWAYS use a STICK or broom handle to clear impacted snow.
• NEVER put your hand down chute or around blades.
• Keep all shields in place. DO NOT REMOVE the safety devices on the machine.
• Keep hands and feet away from all moving parts.
• Keep a clear head, concentrate, and
• DO NOT DRINK before using your snowblower!

REMEMBER — SAFETY FIRST AT ALL TIMES!

News organizations and weather services can help.

Conditions that are associated with a higher incidence of injuries, hay wet snow exceeding 6 inches of accumulation and temperatures above 28 degrees Fahrenheit offer good opportunities to provide warning for the public. We need your help to reduce the incidence of these preventable injuries.
Let others know of this problem. Remind your colleagues, friends and neighbors when you see them outside. Lets put an end to these devastating injuries.

More Snowblower Facts

Canadian inventor, Arthur Sicard invented the snowblower in 1925. The Montreal based inventor sold his first, "Sicard Snow Remover Snowblower" as it was called, to the nearby town of Outremont, in 1927. The invention consisted of three sections; a four-wheel drive truck chassis and truck motor, the snow scooping section, and the snow blower with two adjustable chutes and separate motor. The snowblower allowed the driver to clear and throw snow over 90 feet away from the truck or directly into the back of the truck and it worked on hard, soft or packed snow.

Arthur Sicard was born in Saint-Léonard-de-Port-Maurice, Quebec on December 17, 1876. He died on September 13, 1946.

HAVE A SAFE HALLOWEEN SEASON AVOID PUMPKIN CARVING INJURY

Hand Surgeons Warn of Pumpkin Carving Dangers

THE PHYSICIANS OF THE HAND CENTER WANT YOU TO BE SAFE THIS SEASON

Use caution during the Halloween season, and take steps to prevent hand injuries when carving.
"Every Halloween season we see four or five patients — both adults and children — who come into our office with severe injuries to their hands and fingers," from The Hand Center of Western Massachusetts in Springfield, Mass. "Treatment can often run three to four months, from the time of surgery through rehabilitation."

To prevent hand injuries, the ASSH and the HAND CENTER of WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS suggests the following safety tips:

Carve in a Clean, Dry, Well-lit Area

Wash and thoroughly dry all of the tools that you will use to carve the pumpkin: carving tools, knife, cutting surface, and your hands. Any moisture on your tools, hands, or table can cause slipping that can lead to injuries.

Always Have Adult Supervision
"All too often, we see adolescent patients with injuries because adults feel the kids are responsible enough to be left on their own.  Even though the carving may be going great, it only takes a second for an injury to occur."

Leave the Carving to Adults
Never let children do the carving. We suggests letting kids draw a pattern on the pumpkin and having them be responsible for cleaning out the inside pulp and seeds. When the adults do start cutting, they should always cut away from themselves and cut in small, controlled strokes.

Sharper is Not Better
"A sharper knife is not necessarily better, because it often becomes wedged in the thicker part of the pumpkin, requiring force to remove it. "An injury can occur if your hand is in the wrong place when the knife finally dislodges from the thick skin of the pumpkin. Injuries are also sustained when the knife slips and comes out the other side of the pumpkin where your hand may be holding it steady."

Use a Pumpkin Carving Kit
Special pumpkin carving kits are available in stores and include small serrated pumpkin saws that work better because they are less likely to get stuck in the thick pumpkin tissue. "If they do get jammed and then wedged free, they are not sharp enough to cause a deep, penetrating cut," says Wint.

Help for a Pumpkin Carving Injury
Should you cut your finger or hand, bleeding from minor cuts will often stop on its own by applying direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. If continuous pressure does not slow or stop the bleeding after 15 minutes, an emergency room visit may be required.

Copyright © American Society for Surgery of the Hand 2009.modifed by www.handctr.com in  2013

Fireworks safety in the Baystate and throughout Connecticut this week

Hand Surgeons Agree: Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) has urged the public to leave fireworks in the hands of the professionals.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 38% of all reported fireworks-related injuries from June 22-July 22, 2001, were to fingers, hands, and arms. These injuries included burns, lacerations, fractures, and traumatic amputation.
Of the finger, hand, and arm injuries, the majority of injuries were caused from accidents involving firecrackers, bottle rockets, and sparklers— the three firework-types most often used in a backyard environment. Accidents involving firecrackers, bottle rockets, and hand-held sparklers totaled 57% of all firework injuries (source: American Pyrotechnic Association).
One solution that has been offered by the ASSH to individuals is to attend public fireworks displays, which are monitored for safety by a local fire department, rather than setting off fireworks near or around the home.

The following precautions should be taken when attending a public fireworks display:

• Obey safety barriers and ushers.
• Stay back a minimum of 500 feet from the launching site.
• Resist the temptation to pick up firework debris when the display is over. The debris may still be hot, or in some cases, the debris might be “live” and could still explode.
• Never give children hand-held sparklers. Sparklers cause 10% of all firework injuries (source: American Pyrotechnics Association)—and were associated with the most injuries to children under 5 years of age. (source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

The Hand Center of Western Massachusetts agrees -- keep your hands safe this fourth of July. Enjoy the day and leave fireworks to the professionals

Portions Copyright © American Society for Surgery of the Hand 2008.
Modified/adapted altered by www.handctr.com from assh.org

Hand Center Connecticut additional offices 

Hand Center to Connecticut 

The Physicians and Staff of the Hand Center of Western Massachusetts are proud to announce that we are opening another Hand Center office, in Connecticut. Our new office will be at 140 Hazard Avenue, Enfield CT 86082. 

The Hand Center 

Hours will be by appointment. 

We are now the only medical practice in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut dedicated exclusively to the Hand and Upper Extremity. 

Our office has been known regionally as The Hand Center  since 1999 and has continued to serve the residents of an ever expanding geographic circle during that time.

As many of our patients come from the Northern Connecticut region now, we at the Hand Center are excited to begin working at our new Connecticut office and doing surgery near there. As residents of  towns very nearby in Western Massachusetts the Hand Surgeons Drs. Wint, Wintman and Martin all spend significant time in Enfield, Somers, Stafford, East Windsor, Ellington, Vernon, Tolland and the surrounding area. We feel that Northern  Central Connecticut is part of our home  and are eager to make our  Hand Center services available there. For more information about our us and our practice of Hand and Upper Extremity surgery visit www.handctr.com.

THE HAND CENTER OF WMA  in CONNECTICUT

140 Hazard Avenue

Suite 103

The Hand Center of WMA, Enfield, CT 06082

(413) 733 2204 

currently if you are seeking an appointment with oneof our Hand Surgeons in connecticut, please call the springfield number.

The HAND CENTER staff prides itself on helping you navigate the ins and outs of seeing a specialist. Whether it is a small or large problem, we strive to inform you of co-pays, deductibles and other requirements of your insurance plan BEFORE you arrive at our office, so that you and your Physician can focus on your care. At the Hand Center of Western Massachusetts you will ONLY see an board certified MD, an experienced Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon at each and every visit. Our doctors have been in Springfield and Ware in Western Massachusetts for many years, have a track record of providing quality care and have earned the confidence of our patients and their health care providers. We are excited to bring this to our Connecticut Hand Center office in Enfield.  Call our office at anytime if you have questions at 413 733 2204 or visit our website at www.handctr.com

THE HAND CENTER of Western Massachusetts now in North and Central CT www.handctr.com 140 Hazard Avenue, Suite 103, Enfield (860) 272-2996

HAND CENTER CONNECTICUT:The Hand Center of WMA in CONNECTICUT

The Physicians and Staff of the Hand Center of Western Massachusetts are proud to announce that we are opening another Hand Center office, in Connecticut. Our new office will be at 140 Hazard Avenue, Enfield CT 86082. 

The Hand Center 

Hours will be by appointment. 

We are now the only medical practice in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut dedicated exclusively to the Hand and Upper Extremity. 

Our office has been known regionally as The Hand Center  since 1999 and has continued to serve the residents of an ever expanding geographic circle during that time.

As many of our patients come from the Northern Connecticut region now, we at the Hand Center are excited to begin working at our new Connecticut office and doing surgery near there. As residents of  towns very nearby in Western Massachusetts the Hand Surgeons Drs. Wint, Wintman and Martin all spend significant time in Enfield, Somers, Stafford, East Windsor, Ellington, Vernon, Tolland and the surrounding area. We feel that Northern  Central Connecticut is part of our home  and are eager to make our  Hand Center services available there. For more information about our us and our practice of Hand and Upper Extremity surgery visit www.handctr.com.

THE HAND CENTER OF WMA  in CONNECTICUT
140 Hazard Avenue
Suite 103
The Hand Center of WMA, Enfield, CT 06082
(413) 733 2204 
currently if you are seeking an appointment with oneof our Hand Surgeons in connecticut, please call the springfield number.

THE HAND CENTER of Western Massachusetts now in North and Central CT  www.handctr.com  140 Hazard Avenue, Suite 103, Enfield (860) 272-2996

Prevent Sports Injuries in Young Athletes

Tips to Prevent Injuries

-from the Hand Center of Western Massachusetts -  

Every year thousands of people in western Massachusetts hurt or injure their fingers, hands and wrists at home, at work and while playing sports. Many of these injuries could have been easily avoided. Many of these injuries are alos in CHildren and Young Athletes. At the Hand Center we want to support helping to curtail "the escalation of injuries in youth sports." These tips below are availalble through the ASSH and AAOS.

Knowing a few preventative measures can help to keep hands safe.

The physicians and staff at the Hand Center of Western Massachusetts have important safety tips that can protect you and your family from unnecessary harm.

•   Prevent Heely Injuries
•   Hockey
•   Football
•   Tips To Prevent Soccer Injuries
•   Tips To Prevent Volleyball Injuries
•   Skateboarding Safety
•   Playing it Safe on the Tennis Court
•   Playing it Safe on the Baseball Field
•   Prevent Scooter-Related Injuries
•   Prevent Falls!
•   Tips To Prevent Tennis Injuries
•   Tips To Prevent Basketball Injuries
•   Playground Safety Checklist
•   Prevent Golf Injuries
•   Prevent Inline Skating Injuries
•   How Safe Is Your Child's Playground?

Articles

Sports and Fractures

You may have seen professional athletes on TV playing with casts or splints on their hands or wrists.  Other people, including family, friends, and trainers, may have told you and your child that it won’t be a problem participating in sports immediately after a fracture. The truth turns out to be more complicated.
There are many factors involved in the care of a fracture and the ultimate return to sports.
Every fracture has its own personality.  Some fractures are very stable and start off in relatively good position.  Other fractures can be unstable and require surgery with pins, plates or screws.  Some fractures may involve the joint surfaces and may require more care to prevent displacement and complications later on.  Different bones also have different healing potentials with some taking longer to heal.  The age of the patient and severity of the trauma also play an important role in determining the prognosis and ultimate course of treatment.
Different sports also have different requirements regarding return to play.  A soccer player or cross country runner may be able to avoid using his or her hands all together.  Still other sports run a high risk of reinjury due to the increased contact, unpredictable nature, and significant force involved in the activity, i.e. football, hockey, and wrestling.  Different positions in a particular sport may also affect the decision of when to return to play: kicker vs. quarterback or striker vs. goalie.
The decision of when to return to sports must be individualized for every patient.  A parent must realize that a child is not the same as a professional athlete.  With a professional athlete, there may be significant financial considerations which factor into whether an athlete should return to play – a professional athlete may be willing take on the risk of reinjury or irreparable problems in the future for immediate glory or fortune.  For most children and teenagers with a fracture – and indeed most adults not competing at a professional level – a more conservative approach is warranted.
The discussion of when your child can return to sports should take place between you and your doctor.  If your doctor feels that your child may participate in sports with some restrictions, one must realize that there is still a chance that some unforeseen event may occur.  There are rarely if any certainties in medicine as in life.  Your treating hand and upper extremity surgeon must try to weigh all these factors in order to determine the best course of action for your child’s injury.  If your doctor tells you that your son or daughter should not participate in sports at this time, it is because he feels this will ensure the best outcome for your child’s fracture.

Additional Information

• Thumb Sprains
• Mallet or Baseball Finger

Video

The Hand Center of Western Massachusetts encourages you to stop sports injuries.

http://www.stopsportsinjuries.org/

STOP Sports Injuries | Sports Injury Prevention

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:  The Hand Center of Western Massachusetts

 413 733 2204

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Keep Kids in the Game for Life Through the STOP Sports Injuries Campaign

Healthcare and, Business Leaders, and Professional Athletes Join Forces to

Help Young Athletes Play Safe and Stay Healthy

Springfield, MA –– Today, leaders at The Hand Center of Western Massachusetts are coming together with the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, National Athletic Trainers’ Association, National Strength and Conditioning Association and Safe Kids USA to promote the STOP Sports Injuries campaign. 

The campaign educates athletes, parents, athletic trainers, coaches and healthcare providers about the rapid increase in youth sports injuries, the necessary steps to help reverse the trend and the need to keep young athletes healthy. The STOP Sports Injuries campaign highlights include teaching proper prevention techniques, discussing the need for open communication between everyone involved in young athletes’ lives, and encouraging those affected to sign The Pledge to be an advocate for sports safety. The campaign website and pledge are available at www.STOPSportsInjuries.org.

Sports injuries among young athletes are on the rise.  According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high school athletes, alone, account for an estimated two million injuries, 500,000 doctor visits and 30,000 hospitalizations every year. 

Sports injuries are a common part of our practice according to Drs. Wint, Wintman and Martin at the Hand Center. The hand surgeons  have devoted a portion of our website at http://www.handctr.com/sports-fractures.html  to these injuries as they know the best way to treat a sports related injury is to prevent it, but if the injury occurs, timely appropriate follow –up care is needed.

The high rate of youth sports injuries is fueled by an increase in overuse and trauma injuries and a lack of attention paid to proper injury prevention. According to the CDC, more than half of all sports injuries in children are preventable.

“Regardless of whether the athlete is a professional, an amateur, an Olympian or a young recreational athlete, the number of sports injuries is increasing – but the escalation of injuries in kids is the most alarming,” said Dr. James Andrews, former president of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and STOP Sports Injuries Co-Campaign Chair.  “Armed with the correct information and tools, today’s young athletes can remain healthy, play safe, and stay in the game for life.”

Supporting the STOP Sports Injuries campaign are the country’s leading sports medicine organizations along with professional athletes and business leaders who have signed on as members of the campaign’s Council of Champions. This Council will help raise additional awareness about this growing epidemic of youth sports injuries.  Some of the founding members of the Council include former Olympic champions Christie Rampone, Eric Heiden and Bonnie Blair, professional golfer Jack Nicklaus, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr, MLB baseball player John Smoltz, NFL Hall of Fame defensive end, Howie Long, and Heisman Trophy winner and St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford.

Every year thousands of people in western Massachusetts hurt or injure their fingers, hands and wrists at home, at work and while playing sports. Many of these injuries could have been easily avoided. Knowing a few preventative measures can help to keep hands safe. 

The physicians and staff at the Hand Center of Western Massachusetts have important safety tips that can protect you and your family from unnecessary harm. Our office has taken a lead in Western Massachusetts to educate children and adults in the prevention of sports injury. and other accidental injuries. Our injury prevention tips are a popular feature of our website at http://www.handctr.com/prevent-hand-injuries.html as well as at our WWLP website listing at  http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/health_experts/hand_surgery/Tips_to_Prevent_Injuries

For more information contact the Hand Center of Western Massachusetts.

Be safe this season leave fireworks to the professionals

Hand Surgeons Agree: Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) has urged the public to leave fireworks in the hands of the professionals.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 38% of all reported fireworks-related injuries from June 22-July 22, 2001, were to fingers, hands, and arms. These injuries included burns, lacerations, fractures, and traumatic amputation.

Of the finger, hand, and arm injuries, the majority of injuries were caused from accidents involving firecrackers, bottle rockets, and sparklers— the three firework-types most often used in a backyard environment. Accidents involving firecrackers, bottle rockets, and hand-held sparklers totaled 57% of all firework injuries (source: American Pyrotechnic Association).

One solution that has been offered by the ASSH to individuals is to attend public fireworks displays, which are monitored for safety by a local fire department, rather than setting off fireworks near or around the home.

The following precautions should be taken when attending a public fireworks display:

• Obey safety barriers and ushers.
• Stay back a minimum of 500 feet from the launching site.
• Resist the temptation to pick up firework debris when the display is over. The debris may still be hot, or in some cases, the debris might be “live” and could still explode.
• Never give children hand-held sparklers. Sparklers cause 10% of all firework injuries (source: American Pyrotechnics Association)—and were associated with the most injuries to children under 5 years of age. (source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

The Hand Center of Western Massachusetts agrees -- keep your hands safe this fourth of July. Enjoy the day and leave fireworks to the professionals

portions Copyright © American Society for Surgery of the Hand 2008.
Modified/adapted altered by www.handctr.com from assh.org