When it comes to wintertime injuries, there is no shortage of threats to your safety. Falling icicles, whiteout blizzards, the evil ice wizard and frostbite to name a few. But there are two things that injure more people every winter than all of those combined...
Part I: Slips and Falls
Not-so-fun fact: Almost 60% of emergency room visits are related to slips and falls. A significant portion of these falls are related to snow and ice (although this varies considerably based on where you live). Common injuries after a fall include fractures (wrist, elbow, shoulder and hip are common), traumatic brain injuries and soft tissue strains.
Although the greatest risk of injury lies with older adults, it can happen to anyone. Here are some strategies to reduce your risk:
Wear proper footwear
Apart from keeping your toes warm, winter boots also have deep treads to help you grip snow and ice. You can also buy sharp steel cleats that clip onto your boots, providing extra traction.
Sprinkle salt or sand
Rock salt melts ice, and can be effective down to about -20°C. Any colder than that, and sand may be a better option, providing a grittier surface for you to walk on. Chemical de-icers are becoming popular as well, and work at much lower temperatures!
Be aware
When you walk outside in the winter, always watch where you're going. The ice on sidewalks is usually fairly easy to see if you're looking.
Avoid walking over ice if possible.
Tread carefully through snow, as it can hide ice below.
Be especially careful near stairs, ramps, curbs and other high-slip-risk areas.
Use a walking aid
If you use a walker or other mobility device, definitely bring it with you outside. Canes, 4-point walkers and walking poles can slip on ice too - invest in ice tip attachments to help the feet dig into the ice.
Even if you don't use a mobility device, take advantage of railings, handles and sturdy objects when walking over ice.
Walk safely
If you must walk on ice, the safest way to do it is with the penguin walk; feet hip width apart, bend your knees, take short steps and don't lift your feet too high. The longer you spend on one foot, the higher the risk of falling.
Keep your hands out of your pockets too. Your arms will help with balance.
If you're really scared, sitting on your butt and scooting across the ice might be the safest option!
Fall safely
Even following all these tips, slips and falls can still happen. If you do find yourself falling, remember to protect your head! Cradle your head with both arms and tuck your chin.
After falling, take a moment to check your body for any injuries. If you suspect a serious injury, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, move somewhere safe and stand up slowly.
Lower body strength and balance are vital for fall prevention, as well as reducing the severity of injury from falls. Getting stronger is a great way to supplement these tips to keep you safe through the winter.
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