Northanders clocked up dozens of injuries running and walking during the latest level 4 lockdown. Photo / Michael Cunningham
Northanders clocked up dozens of injuries running and walking during the latest level 4 lockdown. Photo / Michael Cunningham
Taking up running and overdoing sporting activities during the nationwide level 4 lockdown ended in tears for many Northlanders, according to the latest ACC data.
Running, walking, recreation and sport injuries topped the list of 1572 injury claims received from Northland residents between August 17 and 28 when the countrywas plunged into a snap lockdown due to an outbreak of the Delta variant.
With Northland in level 4 until September 3, and as more claims are expected to be lodged and processed over the coming weeks, it's highly likely the total number will increase, the Accident Compensation Corporation said.
So far it shows there were 224 recreation and sports injury claims lodged, followed closely by 220 for running and walking.
Natalie Hardaker, sports injury prevention specialist at ACC, says a sports/activity specific warm-up is key to steering clear of an injury.
"Many people seem to have taken up running during lockdown or may be getting back into it as we start to get into warmer weather," she said.
"Getting fitter is great but it's important to have a plan to make sure you build into your training slowly and gradually build up the mileage."
Since Covid-19 hit our shores, New Zealanders have changed the way they live and work and ACC is highlighting the importance of keeping their bubbles a safe place.
The home is the most likely place for injuries to happen, with ACC spending a total of $5.6 billion to help people recover from injuries at home from 2016 to 2020.
The ACC's head of injury prevention Isaac Carlson said on average one in five Kiwis injure themselves in their home every year.
There were 33 injury claims for workers attempting employment tasks at home during lockdown. Photo / file
This certainly rang true for the latest 16-day level 4 lockdown, which saw poor posture and using their backs as cranes affect 92 Northlanders who lodged claims for "lifting, lowering, loading and unloading".
There were 39 claims for "children playing", 35 for "driving and riding" and 33 for diligent workers attempting employment tasks.
Twenty-four Northlanders injured themselves fighting, though it was not clear whether this was due to sibling rivalry or more serious bouts of combat.
Culinary adventures tripped up 27 Northlanders, with 14 people hurting themselves eating and drinking and 13 preparing the food and drink.
The ACC suggests thoroughly warming-up before exercise to avoid injury. Photo / file
Twelve people hurt themselves operating machinery.
Carlson recommended making small and simple behaviour changes in your bubble such as tidying up toys, keeping floors clear of cables and other items, wiping up any spills immediately and ensuring everyone knows what to do if they see a hazard.
Taking a pause for a few seconds to consider what you're about to do and what could go wrong could save weeks, months or a lifetime of harm for the person and others, he said.
St John Northland operations manager Tony Devanney said he understood lockdown was an uncertain time for people.
He urged residents to follow Ministry of Health guidelines and "avoid doing anything that may put you and others at risk of injury or cause you to require emergency services if you got into trouble.
"We recognise many residents in Northland enjoy the great outdoors activities the region has to offer, but we ask that people act sensibly at all alert levels."
