While there are many fun activities and gatherings that are happening during the winter months, it’s a good reminder that people should be careful when walking because the ground is slippery.
“I have seen numerous slips or falls due to slippery conditions,” says Rachel Emery, PT, physical therapist at Northern Light Rehabilitation in Presque Isle. “It’s a good reminder to people that if you’re out and about, be sure to plan appropriately for the weather.”
How can you plan appropriately? Emery says making sure that you have proper footwear is key. “Your shoe needs to have a good tread on it. High heels or no tread increases your chances of falling and getting injured. Also consider putting ice grips on your shoes to help grip the ground better,” she says. “However, just because its winter weather doesn’t mean that you must forgo heels, or nice footwear at your work or gathering. Just pack the shoes that you want to wear and change once you arrive. Just be sure to change back into appropriate footwear before leaving.”
If you use a walker or cane, Emery recommends adding an ice grip tip to help ground it. “Walkers and canes can also slip and cause people who use them to fall. Using an ice grip tip on walkers and canes can help stabilize them and help them grip the slippery ground better if the walkway isn’t properly cleared of snow and ice.”
This time of year also brings many snowstorms, which contribute to slippery conditions.
“Make sure to clean up walkways after snowstorms. Be sure to also salt walkways to help melt any ice that has formed,” she says.
For more information, visit northernlighthealth.org/Services/Rehabilitation.