If you've had an injury in the past, sports or exercise can be especially challenging for you. In order to prevent any recurrence of the injury, you then have to learn as much as you can about how to stay safe and healthy. Certain types of injuries can be slower to heal than others; anything affecting the feet or ankles would fall into this category. An injury involving your ankle can have you limping around for months. Any injury involving the spine can have very serious consequences, and in some cases these never heal completely. Neck injuries, even when they're minor, can be also be extremely painful and, if they're serious, devastating. Sports and exercise safety are important for active people, and the following are some tips on how to engage in these activities as safely as possible.

Having a great smile is a goal that many people have. Depending upon the type of sports that you engage in on a regular basis, and mouth guard might help you protect your teeth. Basketball, football, hockey and any others present real hazards to ruining your smile. We shouldn't even have to mention something so obvious. Be sure to talk to your coach about what mouth guard would work best for you.

By using a little water, preferably hot, you can usually form these to your liking. Although the water temperature should be hot, make sure it does not burn you when using the mouth guard. Once you know the water temperature is not too hot, bite on the guard for proper fitting. In contact sports as well as many other activities, you have to be concerned with eye protection. Younger participants, and those just starting out at any age are usually given special protection in many sports. If you need to wear protective eye wear, then make sure you get quality products. All forms of safety gear and equipment exists for a reason. When you are buying on your own, be sure to look for the appropriate and applicable safety certifications by reputable associations. We do not need to tell you how important your eyesight is, and we always want you to walk away unhurt.

Weight training is very popular on its own, and it's also done by participants in many other sports. No matter what sport you participate in, or even if you just go to the gym to get in shape, you probably use weights. The two main considerations with weight training are lifting appropriately for your sport and stretching. The idea should always be to tailor your weight training to the specific type of results you're after. So, as an example, you do not want to get huge and bulky if you are a basketball or baseball player. While weight training causes your muscles to grow, it also makes them shorter; that's why you should include stretching in all your workouts. Stretching doesn't have to take long, but it can play an important role in preventing various injuries to your muscles and tendons.

Whether you are doing an exercise routine, or playing football or basketball with your friends, always play it safe. Whenever you exercise, as always keep safety at the forefront of whatever you do to stay healthy and well.