With the kids off from school, it's a perfect time to try to have some outdoor adventures -- from skating to skiing.

The latest figures from Johns Hopkins University show more than 16,000 children ages 5 to 14 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for sledding-related injuries. And more than 25,000 children ages 5 to 14 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for snowboarding and snow skiing-related injuries.

News 12's Elizabeth Hashagen was joined by Dr. Kristin Hopkins and Dr. Raphael S. F. Longobardi to discuss how to protect yourself and your family from winter sports injuries.

- If a joint is swollen or painful after a fall;

- If a joint is numb, tingling or has acute weakness;

- After a blow to the head, watch for dizziness, visual disturbances, light intolerance, loss of memory and headaches.

- Take lessons if you're new to the sport;

- Wear a well-maintained and well-fitted helmet, plus protective eyewear;

- Be aware of changing weather and snow conditions and other skiers;

- Ski only on designated trails. If you ski outside of the boundaries and get hurt, then no one knows you're there.

- Skate in the same direction as the other skaters so you don't create a hazard;

- Watch the ice for cracks, holes and debris;

- Don't chew gum or eat candy while skating;

- Make sure rental skates are the proper size -- everything starts with stability.

- Sled feet first, not headfirst. Sitting up is better, too;

- Sled in an area free of obstacles such as trees or fences;

- Watch for potential hazards hidden under the snow;

- Roll off the sled if a crash is imminent;

- Be alert, even when you're not sledding.