Exercise Beware

Anudha Mittal, SafetyIssues.com

Volume 4 Issue 43

June 2005
Unexpected Health Risks to Exercise?

Summer is finally here and many of us are thrilled with the opportunity to get outside and exercise. There are some very real safety concerns runners and walkers should be aware of while enjoying the nice weather.

Criminals and sexual predators often see joggers or walkers as easy prey and even men have been attacked or robbed while jogging or walking alone.

It is estimated that 12 million American women have been the victim of "forcible rape" and that 1 out of 8 will be assaulted in her lifetime. In 2003, one in every ten rape victims was male. [NCVS 2003]
It is important to be prepared in the event of an attack, and even if this information is something you have heard before it’s something that should be fresh in all of our minds. Here are some tips to keep you safe while enjoying the outdoors:
  • Avoid any outdoor activity such as running or walking at night especially weekend evenings.
  • If practical, jog in the early morning when there is less chance that predators will be lurking around.
  • Use the buddy system; the greater the number the better.
  • When jogging or walking in parks stay in the open areas and off of isolated trails.
  • If you see people ahead who look like they could be trouble or give you an uneasy feeling, don’t be afraid to take a safe detour, or turn around and retrace your course.
  • Be aware of hiding places and blind corners.
  • Bring a personal safety device such as disguised pepper spray mace or a whistle.
  • Build your confidence by taking a self-defense class.

It is a tough to say when and if you should fight back in the event you are attacked. Many experts say that you should use your gut instincts along with a few other tactics to determine which approach to take. Some things to think about before you fight back; if you yell will anyone hear you? Does the criminal have a weapon? If you decide to defend yourself, you should yell forcefully and GO FOR IT by attacking sensitive areas such as the nose, eyes or groin. RAINN (Rape Abuse and Incest National Network)

Hopefully by following the guidelines above you will seriously reduce you risk of a criminal attack and this will allow you to enjoy the fresh air and exercise.

Email this article to a friend

Email a friend a link to our web site

Back to Safety Issues...

Have you seen a safety device you think our readers should know about?
Does your company make or sell a safety device you would like to see featured in this column?
If so, please e-mail the information about the device to Safety Issues.
The purpose of this column is to make your life safer with the use of the latest technology.
Neither Safety Issues nor its affiliated companies are responsible for any opinions expressed in this column.
Thank you for reading this column.

  © 2008 SafetyIssues.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.