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

5 Strengthening Exercises Following Lower-Limb Amputations

During inpatient rehabilitation, your therapy team will guide you through a personalized strengthening program designed to support your recovery. This program focuses on building the key muscle groups needed for safe and effective mobility with a prosthesis. Continuing these exercises at home is essential for maintaining progress and maximizing independence.

Managing Phantom Limb Pain

Losing a limb is a life-changing experience—physically, emotionally, and mentally. One of the more unexpected and often misunderstood aspects of limb loss is phantom limb pain (PLP). Despite the limb no longer being there, individuals may continue to feel sensations—sometimes painful—where the limb used to be. But why does this happen, and what can be done about it? Let’s break it down.

Spring Into Action with the Proper Garden Tools and Accessories

Now that spring has sprung, it’s time to tend those gardens! Just be careful not to overextend your body into positions that have been dormant all winter. Gardening can require you to bend, lift, and twist in ways that can injure your back, knees, or other parts of your body. While garden tools can make your digging and planting easier, sometimes the use of tools encourages poor positioning or increases the chance of injury.

5 Exercises For Concussions

A concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) induced by direct or indirect force transmitted to the head. Looking at the statistics, there were 27.16 million new TBI cases globally in 2019. Nationally, there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021.² Approximately 80% of all TBIs are classified as mild head injuries (CDC). These numbers highlight the significant public health impact concussions have worldwide, and the importance of proper evaluation and management.

What to Wear to Physical Therapy

When heading to physical therapy, comfort and functionality are key. Your attire can significantly impact the effectiveness of your session, affecting your ability to move freely, follow your therapist’s instructions, and perform exercises with ease. The right clothing not only promotes flexibility but also allows your therapist to evaluate your movements and address areas that need attention. Here’s what to wear – and what to avoid – for a successful visit!

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.