January in Southern Ontario brings a fresh year, with new beginnings and snowy weather!
Or does it? Because the weather this January 2023 has been anything but fresh and snowy! So far, we have gotten a lot of freezing rain, rain with flash freezing and aggressive foggy days and nights. This means that slips and falls are on the high, and visibility is on the low! Yes, everybody has the risk of falling and slipping, children fall all the time when playing! But it’s different when you get older, most of the time your body isn’t as flexible and you can’t land like you once did. And no, you aren’t Clark Kent, you don’t have super powers. Which means the risks of falling increase rapidly and the repercussions only get worse!
A full body fall isn’t even necessary to strain yourself, sometimes tripping and catching yourself before you land can do a lot of damage as well, such as tweaking your back, neck, arms, or legs! Ankle twists and over extension of any joint is also a risk.
How can you prevent any slips, trips, or falls this gloomy season without wrapping your entire body in bubble wrap? Let’s dive in!
- Lights!
Because it gets darker earlier in January, you want to make sure you are keeping lights on if you are going out in the evening! Outdoor lights or even a head lamp is a great investment for yourself to prevent unwanted tripping or slipping! - Snow Cleats!
Another great piece of gear for this weather is snow cleats! And no, they aren’t just for snow, they work wonders for ice or mud! Because of the pointy grips, they will hold you in place no matter the slipperiness of the ground below you. They come in a variety of styles as well, you can buy shoes with them built, or you can buy them as an attachment to any shoe or boot. You can find them easily online or in most department stores. - KEEP YOUR HANDS FREE!
While we all love warm hands in our cozy warm pockets, but your warm and furry pockets aren’t for your hands. They are for holding stuff, like a wallet, or a pack of gum. Buy mittens/gloves instead. There is nothing worse than falling and your hands are trapped in your cozy pockets. That’s a face plant or concussion waiting to happen. - Give yourself time
Being late for something will most definitely be a cause for rushing out of the house. But this can be a HUGE risk for falling, especially if you are running out the door without the proper gear, or even realizing the weather conditions outside. Give yourself time to check on the conditions and prepare. - Maintain your regular walkway
Icy/snowy steps or driveways don’t normally just disappear. Though we do wish the magical shovelling fairies would appear, they aren’t coming. Make sure your route is safe and cleared. Apply salt or ice melting alternatives or check out our other blog “Snow Shovelling Tips to Protect Your Back”! - Walk like a penguin
It sounds as cute as it looks. Waddle around, take slow and short steps, try not to use high knees, and make sure your feet are as flat footed as possible to keep a better grip on the ground.
Nobody wants to fall, we hope these tips help you to prevent any slips/trips/falls in this wet and icy winter season.
If you do fall and you require help, dial 911 to get help!
Stay safe, stay warm, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with one of our practitioners. We’re open 5 days a week and are ready to help our patients with the best care!
