FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2000
Release # 00-094
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076
CPSC Reports Sports-Related Injuries Boom Among Baby Boomers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), sports-related injuries to adults ages 35 to 54,
today's baby boomers, increased by 33 percent from 1991 to 1998. To help
reduce this increase, CPSC, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
and American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine are distributing a
brochure, Boomeritis™, that describes the many injuries common to baby
boomers and advises on ways to safely exercise to avoid many of these
injuries.
Since boomers make up a third of the U.S. population, this surge
in injuries has a considerable impact on health care for the nation,
with injury costs totaling more than $18.7 billion in 1998. An estimated
1 million boomers suffered medically attended sports-related injuries in
1998 - 365,000 were treated in hospital emergency rooms as compared to
just under 276,000 in 1991. CPSC is releasing a report (pdf format)
today on baby boomer sports injuries.
The increase in injuries coincides with the increase in the
population of this age group. Bicycling and basketball caused the
largest number of trips to hospital emergency rooms. More than 65,000
bikers and 45,000 basketball players were treated in hospital emergency
rooms in 1998. The largest increase in injuries by far is among boomers
doing general exercise and running. In 1991, less than 10,000 exercise
and running injuries were reported. By 1998, the number had more than
tripled. Injuries also increased in soccer, golf, weightlifting, in-line
skating and swimming.
"Exercise is important to stay healthy, but as we get older, we
need to take more precautions," said CPSC Chairman Ann Brown. "Many of
these injuries can be prevented by warming up regularly, not overdoing
it, and wearing safety gear."
Adults in this age group who rode bicycles died from head injuries
at nearly twice the rate as children on bikes, likely because more
children wear helmets. CPSC estimates that 69 percent of children wear
helmets while biking, compared to only 43 percent of baby boomers.
"The baby boomers should be setting the example for their children
of always using a helmet and other appropriate safety equipment when
being active," Brown added. "It's an example they'll never regret."
For more information, go to the web page on Boomeritis™. To order a copy of the Boomeritis™ brochure, call (800) 346-2267 and ask for Pat Julitz in the AAOS Public and Media Relations Department. You can also call % 638-2772 or send an email to info@cpsc.gov (be sure to include your mailing address and the name of the brochure you are ordering).
