Falling on ice can leave you red-faced with embarrassment, or far more seriously, badly hurt.
Slippery sidewalks, driveways and icy parking lots can be risk factors for falls during the winter months. Avoid a bad fall with these helpful tips!
Walk like a penguin:
The penguin waddle helps you keep a centre of gravity over the front leg as you step, instead of
split between the legs. Short strides also help keep your centre of gravity, which help avoid falls. When walking, extend your arms out from your sides to increase your centre of gravity. Don’t keep your hands in your pockets! Walk slowly, with short strides and try to land your steps with a flat foot.
Keep walkways clear:
Shovel snow and scrape ice as soon as possible. If applicable, liberally sprinkle ice melt product or sand onto walkways to provide foot traction and to make sure surfaces don’t turn to ice. This not only protects you and your family, but also postal carriers and others when they’re walking around your property. Where possible install or use handrails for extra support.
Take all precautions:
Be extra cautious walking after a storm. Prior to taking a step, tap your foot on potentially icy areas to assess if it is slippery. Hold a railing while walking on icy steps. Stay steady by wearing proper winterfootwear. Lightweight boots with thick, non-slip tread soles will provide good traction on ice. If a sidewalk is icy down the middle, walk on the snow beside it to avoid slips.
Lighten your load:
Carry fewer bags on snowy days, since excess baggage can throw off your balance and make it
tougher to regain your balance once you lose it. Keep your hands free by putting away your
phone while walking – you may need to catch yourself!
Boost balance with exercise:
You can’t control the weather, but you can improve your balance through regular exercise.
Exercise is an ideal way to help you stay safely on your feet because it improves balance,
flexibility and strength. Speak to a chiropractor about ways to improve your balance and strength in order to prevent falls.
Author: Dr. Marco De Ciantis, D.C.