Summertime in northwest Montana is arguably the most popular season for being active outdoors. The Flathead Valley offers a diverse range of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Considering this, I’d like to share a few tips for avoiding injuries to ensure greater enjoyment of these recreational opportunities.
Mountain biking, gravel biking and now e-biking are popular activities that people enjoy spring through fall in northwest Montana. Some of the most common injuries that result from biking land people in our emergency department are concussion and clavicle fractures, also known as a broken collar bone.
Downhill mountain bike crashes often throw riders over the handlebars, resulting in clavicle fractures and head injuries, including concussions. To prevent these injuries, always wear a properly fitted helmet that hasn’t sustained prior damage, which can decrease the effectiveness of protection of the head. Riders should also become familiar with the trails they are riding before attempting more advanced maneuvers with speed while biking.
Many people who utilize e-bikes in the Flathead Valley are doing so for the first time and are often unfamiliar with how to operate them while managing the power and throttle. Take time to practice riding the e-bike before taking it onto paths and roads. Even e-biking is safest with a helmet. Remember, concussion is a VERY common result of e-bike crashes and can cause headaches, dizziness, and problems with coordination and balance.
There are countless trails to hike and peaks to climb in our beautiful corner of the state. If you are unfamiliar with the terrain, climate, trails or wayfinding, please take the time to research before you head out. Study your path ahead of time. Carry plenty of water (at least 2-3 liters for a day hike). I recommend also bringing a water purifying device in case you may need to refill from a stream. Dehydration can be subtle but results in disorientation and heat exhaustion.
Secure some bear spray before you go. Make sure you understand how it functions and keep it easily accessible while you are on the trail and in the woods. This also applies to bikers who are riding anywhere outside of town.
Lakes and rivers abound for boating, kayaking and paddleboarding. Even people who have plenty of experience in and on the water have drowned in the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park. Wear your appropriate PFD (personal flotation device), don’t go out into large bodies of water by yourself if you are unfamiliar with the currents and if it’s a windy day. Make sure someone knows where you are going, this applies for all the above activities!
Above all, have fun and share in our gratitude to get to be in such a beautiful place where adventure awaits!
Becky Cox is a 12-year nurse in the emergency department at Logan Health – Whitefish and is the hospital’s trauma coordinator working to educate hospital staff and community members on trauma-related topics.
