How to avoid winter injuries
Cold winter temperatures can come back with a vengeance. We know that winters can be beautiful, but also unpredictable and even dangerous.
Cold winter temperatures can come back with a vengeance. We know that winters can be beautiful, but also unpredictable and even dangerous.
Kathleen Lee, MSN, RN, adult injury prevention coordinator for the trauma surgery service, has some important safety tips for keeping injury free every winter. You may want to keep these in mind as you venture out into the snow:
Layers are important in cold weather, along with hats and gloves. You should also wear bright-colored clothing so that you can be seen easily by cars when crossing streets. Remember, scarves should not be used as a replacement to a face mask when out in public.
And something that is often neglected—appropriate footwear.
A basic step to avoid falling or slipping is to keep your sidewalks and driveways cleared of snow and ice when possible. And while salt and sand may help improve traction, ice is not always visible.
Even if spaces are cleared, it’s usually best to walk as though snow and ice are present or walk in the grass to avoid hidden slick spots.
When you’re unable to take cleared walkways, there’s a few things you can do to help keep you upright.
Go slow and give yourself extra time to get to where you need to be. Keep in mind that activities such as driving and crossing the streets may take longer.
People 65 and older—and people any age who are on blood thinning medication—who hit their head during a fall should get evaluated. It’s also a good idea to keep your cell phone handy in the event of an emergency.
The contents of this website are for information purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not rely on the information provided for medical decision making and should direct all questions regarding medical matters to their physician or other health care provider. Use of this information does not create an express or implied physician-patient relationship.