Ski slopes: A dangerous place?

Skiing is a great way to stay fit this winter, but be careful -- according to reports, many people die as a result of injuries from skiing, and the numbers are going up every year. Those in their 20s are especially at risk, though this doesn't only affect youngsters -- an uncle of mine died on the slopes, and he was in his 70s.

The cause of the increase in ski-related deaths? What else -- the need for speed. But for those who think they're invincible, take a moment to think about how much you'll miss skiing if, say, you sustain a spinal cord or brain injury when you're whizzing down the slopes. It happens more than you think.

But for the rest of us who ski safely, the hills aren't so much a hazard as they are a great place to spend the day. Just take it slow.