Understanding the Basics of Skiing

For the last three decades, Andrew Collier, MD, has functioned as a physician and orthopaedic surgeon with Philadelphia Orthopaedic Associates in Pennsylvania. Outside of his work as a surgeon, Andrew Collier, MD, enjoys spending time with his family. He is especially fond of taking family ski trips to places such as Austria and Switzerland.

There are a number of techniques individuals must master as they become familiar with the sport of skiing. However, one important piece of information involving how skis actually move on snow is often overlooked. The ability to ski down a mountainside is rooted in the principle that the freezing point for water changes with pressure. In other words, as skis are pressed against the snow, the applied pressure melts the snow. The result of the melting snow is a thin layer of water that allows the skis to travel downhill with little resistance.

This aspect of skiing plays a critical role in the concept of seeking out the path of least resistance. Skis naturally tend to travel in a straight path down the hill. In any other direction, skiers are forced to push more snow out of the way, creating added friction and slowing progress. A person can take advantage of the path of least resistance by taking a sideways position in order to slow down and come to a stop.                            

Packing Tips for Family Ski Vacations

An orthopaedic surgeon by profession, Dr. Andrew Collier of Philadelphia, PA, enjoys taking his family on ski trips. Dr. Andrew Collier and his family have traveled from Philadelphia, PA, to ski destinations in Vermont as well as to several of Europe's top ski destinations.

The first thing a family ski vacation needs is a sturdy suitcase or two. A large suitcase can carry enough clothing for one adult and as many as three children. All members of the family, even nonskiers, will need to pack the suitcase with warm and comfortable clothing for outdoor and for off-the-mountain activities. Pajamas, toiletries, and plenty of underwear are also key. Families with young children should consider bringing familiar games and toys for down time, and even older children appreciate having a deck of cards around if they get bored.

Skiers need plenty of layers, including thermal underwear, an insulated layer, and a water-resistant shell. Everyone who will be outside in the snow needs high-quality waterproof gloves as well as good boots and thick wool socks. Sunscreen and lip balm are essential to keep faces from becoming burned, as are hydration packs if skiers plan on taking few breaks. Children will need helmets, and many skiers of varying ages prefer to have goggles on hand to protect the eyes from snow and glare.                            

Holt International - Facilitating Adoptions of Korean Children

Well established in the Philadelphia, PA, community, Dr. Andrew Collier practices with Philadelphia Orthopaedic Associates. Since the adoption of their oldest son, Dr. Andrew Collier and his wife have made contributions to Holt International Children's Services, an agency that maintains a strong presence in Korea.

Dedicated to the idea that children “need loving adoptive families,” Holt International was established by Harry and Bertha Holt in the mid-1950s, when many young Koreans were orphaned in the wake of the Korean War. After the Holts advocated before the U.S. Congress for a special act that would allow the adoption of Korean children, they were able to create their pioneering international adoption program.

Today Holt International continues in its mission with young Korean orphans, typically matching boys between 6 and 12 months of age with families in the United States. Most of these children are toddlers when they come home to adoptive families. As with children from other countries that Holt International works with, many Korean children have some health issue. This issue is frequently of a minor variety, such that the child is considered healthy upon arrival in the United States.