Winter Safety By: Victoria Lavery PT, DPT

Safety awareness is important any time of year, but it is especially important in the winter months as conditions outside tend to make things a bit more challenging. As the roads and walkways become slick, it is important to be more cautious to avoid any falls or other preventable injuries. 

One of the most important aspects of staying safe outdoors in the winter months is proper footwear! It is very important to pay attention to the tread on your shoes or boots to make sure it is adequate for icy surfaces. There are also cleats that can be attached to your shoes in extreme conditions to reduce the risk of falling. It is important to slow down and take shorter strides when walking on any icy or snowy surfaces to prevent loss of balance. The risk of falling increases for everyone, but especially for the elderly in the winter months, so it is important to be extra cautious and take your time! 

Another activity to be aware of is shoveling snow. Shoveling without proper technique can lead to back injuries or muscle strains in the arms and legs. It is important to utilize proper lifting technique when shoveling, which includes lifting with your legs, keeping your back straight, and maintaining good posture. This also involves keeping the shovel close to your body and avoiding any twisting or turning. It is important to be cautious of how much snow you are attempting to lift at once as it can weigh a lot! If you can push the snow instead of lifting it, that can reduce risk of injury as well. Pacing yourself is important, so don’t be afraid to take breaks! 

With the winter months also comes winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. While these activities are fun, it is important to be cautious to avoid injury. Warming up before activity is important to make sure you get your blood flowing and your muscles loosened up, especially in the cold weather. It is also important to stay hydrated. It is easy to forget to drink enough water in the cold months when you don’t feel as thirsty, but staying hydrated is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer! Finally, make sure you have gear that fits you properly and is in good condition. Injuries can often be the result of improper gear or old equipment that is not in good working condition, so checking your equipment regularly can help to prevent injury. 

Be careful this winter! If you have any questions regarding winter safety or would like to schedule an appointment please contact us at Advanced Rehabilitation!