Winter brings all sorts of pleasant thoughts to mind, like snow, Christmas, holiday music, and shopping. Yes, winter is the season for the holidays, but it is also the worst time of year for slips and falls. Accidents on ice or snow are very dangerous and can lead to severe back injury and pain. On the plus side, there are a lot of things that you can do to protect yourself.
Here are some of the best ways to avoid falls in the wintertime:
Stay Informed
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Follow news and weather reports so you are aware when ice or snow is coming your way. When you find out that there is a possibility of inclement weather or even just freezing temperatures, avoid going outside as much as possible and always be prepared when you do.
Arm Yourself with Supplies
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First and foremost, make sure you're wearing the right footwear. Flat shoes with rubber soles are one of the best of options for slippery conditions. Avoid high heels, cowboy boots, sneakers, and leather soled shoes because they do not provide traction on ice and snow. Further, make sure you're armed with salt so that you can treat your sidewalks and driveway. If your workplace doesn't do a good job of treating the walkways and parking lots, it's not a bad idea to carry some salt with you so that there is less chance of you or someone else slipping.
Take Your Time
If there is anything slick on the ground, take your time and don't rush to get anywhere. And don't take shortcuts to try to save time, because these smaller roads may still be insufficiently plowed -- it will just take longer and be more dangerous. Be sure to walk slowly and take small steps so that you are always keeping your center of balance beneath you.
Walk the Walk
To avoid falling, you need to make sure that you're walking properly. Don't carry anything heavy across unstable surfaces and keep your hands free as much as possible to stay balanced. In addition, always use the handrails that are provided going up and down steps, as they may keep you on your feet.
The winter is supposed to be a fun time, but falling and injuring yourself will definitely put a damper on your holiday cheer. Following the above advice will help you avoid back pain, breakages, and any other complications of falling.
Are you in pain as a result of a fall due to snow or ice? New Jersey Pain Care Center can help. Call for an appointment today: (973) 400-1716.
