Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Treadmill Safety

Treadmill-walkers-gym-Depositphotos_11275390_xlThe recent death of Dave Goldberg, known Silicon Valley executive and husband of Facebook director Cheryl Sandburg is a tragic reminder of how average exercise equipment has the potential to seriously injure or cause death to individuals.

While treadmill deaths are rare, they do occur. In 2009, Exodus Tyson, four year old daughter of former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, died after being strangled by the treadmill cord in her home.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 24,400 treadmill injuries were reported by emergency rooms in 2014, with an average of three deaths a year for the past ten years. Common injuries include: contusions, lacerations and friction burns.

“As with any heavy machinery in your home, it is important to carefully read the directions when setting up your treadmill and review safety instructions with family members, especially children to prevent injuries,” said Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance.

Over 50 million people use treadmills, making it the most popular exercise equipment. Whether you use your treadmill to stay in shape or it has become a clothes hanger, it is crucial to be familiar with safe practices. Consumer Reports has recommended safety tips to get you and your family safe.

Keep the area clear. Leave plenty of space in the back  and on the sides to avoid getting pinned against a wall or crashing into something.

Use the safety key. If you clip this onto your clothing, as soon as you fall the machine will turn off.

Straddle the deck. Allow the belt to start moving before you step on it so it doesn’t catch you off guard, don’t start the treadmill while you are standing on it.

Stay focused. Keep your head up and don’t get preoccupied looking around or fumbling with your phone.

Know your limits. Keeping track of your heart rate is a good idea, if you begin to feel unusual, dizzy or numb, slow down or stop to prevent over exertion.

Come to a complete stop. Let the treadmill come to a complete stop before hopping off.

Keep children away. Make your treadmill off limits to kids for their safety. Remove the safety key and place it out of their reach.

People suffer injuries on treadmills  for many reasons such as, the sudden acceleration or deceleration of the treadmill, a user is unfamiliar with how the treadmill works, a slick belt surface, people are not paying attention or users lose their balance.

GreatFlorida Insurance believes in safety first. If you are looking for homeowners insurance, renters insurance or health insurance, our qualified, independent insurance agents can help. We have offices all over Florida to serve you and find affordable and reliable insurance coverage you can trust.
 

Dustyn Shroff
Dustyn Shroffhttp://www.greatflorida.com
Vice President at GreatFlorida Insurance

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