More Snow!? Safety Tips for Walking on Slippery Surfaces

It may be March, but this winter season is stubbornly
sticking around. We often hear reminders about safety when driving or shoveling
heavy snow, but simply walking in a winter wonderland poses its own set of
risks. As we experience yet another several
inches of snow in central Virginia, keep the following tips in mind if you plan
to be out and about on foot:

Anticipate
ice – Pavement that appears to be wet may actually be black ice. Approach
it with caution. A drop in temperature of just a few degrees can cause melted
ice/snow to refreeze, making surfaces particularly slick.

Keep your
hands free – Having your hands in your pockets decreases your balance and
prevents you from breaking your fall if you slip. In fact, extending your arms
out to the sides can significantly improve balance. Be sure to wear gloves or
mittens for warmth and keep those arms free!

Take
slow, short steps – Take the time to plant your feet securely with each
deliberate step. Grab onto a railing or other sturdy fixture for extra
security.

Improve your center of gravity – Increase
your stability by pointing your feet slightly outward and keeping your body
weight directly over your feet as much as possible.

Wear
proper footwear – Shoes with grooved rubber soles that allow the entire
surface of the foot to come in contact with the ground are safest.

Land
safely – If you do slip, try to avoid landing on your tailbone, which can
be particularly painful and slow to heal. Falling onto a fleshy part of your
body, such as your side, is best if you can control it.

Enjoy the snow while it lasts and don’t let a pesky injury
keep you from getting out and enjoying the spring-like weather that is just
around the corner!

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Clinical research scientist

Five Reasons to Participate in Research

During my participation in a clinical trial, I was able to learn first-hand about the process surrounding medical discoveries. I also gained an understanding of how to advocate for my health and learned to ask more questions about the risks involved in different medical treatments. Participation in research was incredibly beneficial to me personally. To help you learn more about research participation, we’ve compiled a list of 5 reasons to participate in research.

How to Measure Exercise Intensity

Target heart rate (HR) is a great way to measure exercise intensity to get the most out of your workout. For most people, it provides an accurate way to measure the safety of an activity in relation to the percentage of your maximum heart rate. However, for some people, because of several medications that regulate HR (such beta blockers) or the availability to acquire a device that monitors HR, using HR alone to measure exercise intensity can be challenging.

How to Maximize Physical Therapy Visits from Insurance

As a new year begins, so do new health insurance deductibles and benefits. It’s important to be aware of your healthcare expenses to plan for the year ahead. For those seeking physical rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, it’s important to remember that health insurance may not cover unlimited sessions. Understanding how to make the most of your visits covered by insurance is key to maximizing your benefits. Read on to learn how you can get the most out of your therapy visits while extending the time spent on your recovery to achieve your goals.

Tips To Cure Winter Boredom

It’s common to feel bored during the winter months when you’re spending more time indoors and routines shift. However, there are plenty of ways to stay engaged and have fun at home. From boosting mental sharpness to connecting with others, these activities can help turn boredom into an opportunity for growth and enjoyment.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.