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Exercise: Warnings And Risks Associated With Treadmills

DETROIT (CBS DETROIT) - Thousands of people hit the treadmill for a workout everyday - but how many think of the potential risk involved?

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission there were about 24,000 visits to hospital emergency rooms across the county last year because of treadmill injuries.

The high-profile death Tuesday of Dave Goldberg, the CEO of SurveyMonkey, who was found next to a treadmill, after apparently falling off and sustaining a head injury -- puts safety at the forefront of exercise.

WWJ health reporter Dr. Deanna Lites got some expert advice on ways to stay safe when using a treadmill.

Beaumont health exercise physiologist Roger Sacks says treadmill safety starts by attaching the emergency clip.

"Should you happen to slip or fall it will automatically stop the belt," he said.

Sacks says avoid looking down at your feet when the treadmill begins to move ... it might make you dizzy.

And make sure you're in the middle of the machine.

"If you are too far back you run the risk of slipping off the back and falling -- too far front you can clip your foot on the motor cover for the belt," said Sacks.

It's also a good idea to minimize distractions such as reading or watching TV while on the machine.

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