Step into Winter Safely
Posted on November 9, 2020
When the chill of winter settles in, even a short walk from your front door to your driveway can become a dangerous journey. When surfaces are snowy, icy and slippery, you’re more likely to fall and injure your head or break a bone.
Falling can be serious for anyone of any age. The most severe of injuries include hip fractures and head or neck trauma. As we age, recovering from a hip fracture or other traumatic injury can be a
long and complicated journey.
For safer walking, no matter what your age, consider these tips:
• Gear up. Choose cold-weather boots with grooved soles made from rubber or other non-slip materials.
• If you encounter ice, try to go around it. Look for a nearby snowy or grassy patch that you can step on for better traction.
• Beware of black ice. It may just look like a wet or glazed spot on a sidewalk.
• Slow down. Take shorter steps, and walk with your knees slightly bent. Leave for your destination early so you won’t be tempted to walk quickly to your car or the bus.
• Use deicer on walkways. And, remove snow before it piles up. Snow removal can be strenuous work. If you have a medical condition, check with your doctor before you shovel, or better yet, have someone else shovel it for you.
We hope you have a safe, happy and healthy winter season.
Sources: American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Department of Labor
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