Saint Anthony’s Offers Winter Safety Tips
(January 20, 2012) – It’s winter in the Midwest and mixes of snow and sleet present safety challenges during travels, snow shoveling and other seasonal activities. Just a few items or precautions may be all that’s needed to avoid injury or falls during the wintry days ahead.
Kelly Bogowith, Physical Therapist for Saint Anthony’s Health Center, warns that fall-related injuries are the leading cause of deaths in persons greater than 65 years of age.
“This means that seniors are at an even higher risk for falls in the winter weather. But, the ice does not discriminate! Everyone must be careful,” she said.
Kelly suggests preparing early for ice and snow by keeping a supply of ice melt or salt on hand to place on the sidewalk or driveway. If you must walk during ice and snow conditions, be mindful of these tips:
1. In icy situations, such as parking lots and sidewalks, wear a pair of athletic shoes with cleats of spikes such as golf shoes to improve your traction.
2. Plan ahead. Avoid rushing in slippery conditions. Allow time to maneuver slick surfaces. Extra time may also allow time to consider taking the longer but safest route to your destination.
3. Slow, small and possibly shuffled steps on slick surfaces are safer than fast and large steps.
4. Walk on snowy surfaces that are fluffy or roughened versus smooth, packed snow, which may be slicker than it appears.
“Also, don't be afraid to ask for help. Holding onto someone's arm or hand will help you keep your footing. It’s better to be safe, than sorry,” she said.
Practicing proper body mechanics and alignment is also part of staying safe during winter activities.
First, make sure the ground is not slick or icy -- then try setting salt out before you shovel. Be sure to use a shovel that has adequate handle length. A good guide is that the end of the handle should be shoulder height when standing the shovel on end.
Freshly fallen snow is a lot lighter than "day-old" snow, as it hasn't had time to melt and freeze. So try to shovel as soon as possible -- the load will be a lot lighter.
Footwear should be appropriate and provide good traction. Avoid boots with heels.
Do's:
- Maintain a wide base of support -- keep your feet at least shoulder width apart. Try placing one foot forward to give you more balance.
- Bend from the knees and legs, rather than your back, during the lift. Remember to keep your locked in.
- When lifting, straighten your legs and hips. You are more powerful when you use your legs to do the lifting.
- Always test the weight of each load before lifting. This can be done by squatting down and "springing" the snow.
- Keep the load close to your body. Step and turn, rather than twist, to empty the shovel. It may take a little more time at first, but your back won't hurt when you're done.
Don'ts:
- Do not let your back round out or bend when you lift.
- Try not to lift your maximum "full load" with every shovel.
- Avoid overhead movements. Avoid twisting - at all! This is one of the most common movements that cause back injuries.
“And since snow shoveling is a very physical activity, it's a good idea to stretch out before and after so you won't have sore muscles the following morning,” she stated.