Smart Steps to Prevent Winter Falls
As the holidays quickly approach—bringing with them a flurry of shopping trips and festive errands—Mother Nature often decides to toss us an extra challenge: ice and snow.
A winter wonderland is beautiful, but it can turn your simple errand into a treacherous adventure.
And while falls are serious at any age, they can be debilitating or even deadly in our senior years.
But there are some simple steps you can take to SLASH your risk of taking an unexpected tumble, regardless of your age…
The statistics are sobering.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one million U.S. adults suffer injuries resulting from slips and falls, yearly.
Naturally, those numbers SPIKE as temperatures plummet.
But here’s the thing. You don’t have to let a fear of falls keep you from doing the things you love all winter. The following are a few smart strategies…
- Boot Up for Safety: Your choice of footwear can make or break your winter walking experience. Be sure you have a pair of lightweight boots with good support. You can also purchase snow grips or ice cleats for the bottom of your shoes or boots to head off falls.
- Channel Your Inner Penguin: When walking on ice take a cue from our tuxedoed friends in the Antarctic. Take small, side-to-side “waddling” steps like a penguin to help maintain your center of gravity.
- Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Speed is not your friend in icy conditions. Pay attention to each step you take and walk slowly. Remember, it’s better to arrive at your destination a few minutes late than to not arrive at all.
- Lend Yourself a Hand: Don’t be too proud to accept a little help. Use handrails, a walking stick, walker, or a cane when out in winter weather. These aids provide extra stability and can be a lifesaver on slippery surfaces, preventing falls before they even start.
- Sometimes, Staying In is Winning: On particularly treacherous days, the safest option is to stay put if you can. Use these days to catch up on indoor activities or simply enjoy a cozy day in.
But what if you do fall?
Despite our best efforts, sometimes falls happen. If you feel yourself going down and can’t regain your balance, resist the urge to catch yourself with an outstretched arm and try to land on your buttocks or back. This might sound counterintuitive, but it can help prevent more severe injuries like broken wrists or arms.
Broken bones are sometimes hard to recognize so it’s always wise to head to urgent care to have yourself checked out after a fall.
Remember, winter safety is all about preparation and mindfulness Following these expert tips can dramatically reduce your risk of falls and injuries, allowing you to enjoy the upcoming holidays without the emergency room visit.
P.S. “Bear Hack” helps you stay healthy all fall and winter long.
Source:
Kakara, R. S., Moreland, B. L., Haddad, Y. K., Shakya, I., & Bergen, G. (2021). Seasonal variation in fall-related emergency department visits by location of fall – United States, 2015. Journal of Safety Research, 79, 38-44.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
“Jack Frost” Method Supercharges Your Workouts
As the mercury drops, we instinctively want to huddle inside under a warm blanket. But before you resign yourself to a season of hibernation and comfort foods, consider this… Braving the cold could be your secret weapon for better health. While safety should always come first, of course (never venture out on icy streets), there...
Common Vitamin Protects Your Pancreas
You’ve probably heard about vitamin B12 for its role in keeping your blood and nerves healthy. But could it also be the key to protecting your pancreas? New research from Sichuan University in China suggests that this unassuming B vitamin might have even more benefits than we thought—helping to reduce the risk of acute pancreatitis,...
The Fiber That May Mimic Ozempic?
Recently, Ozempic has gained fame as a weight loss drug that works by controlling blood sugar and reducing cravings. But what if a natural solution could offer similar benefits—without the potential side effects or costs associated with GLP-1 medications? According to new research, a type of dietary fiber could help with weight loss and blood...
The TRUE Cost of Daytime Sleepiness
Are you struggling to keep your eyes open as you read this? If so, you’re not alone. A shocking new survey reveals that America is in the grip of a full-blown sleep crisis. And it’s costing us more than just a few yawns… The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) dropped a bombshell on our...
Giving Thanks and Sharing Traditions
Happy Thanksgiving! As we celebrate this season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to thank you for being part of our community at Living Well Daily. I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with warmth, joy, and cherished moments with family and friends. Holiday meals like today don’t just fill our bellies. They feed...
My Thanksgiving Cheat Sheet: Stay Healthy & Satisfied
Thanksgiving is nearly here, and while it’s a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy delicious food, we all know the feeling that often follows—a little too much of everything. From blood sugar spikes and bloating to the dreaded holiday weight gain, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed by all the indulgent options....
Natural Restless Legs Solutions Deliver Better Sleep
“Is there anything to help restless legs so I can sleep?” – RestLESS Hi RestLess, Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a chronic neurological disorder. It triggers an uncontrollable urge to move your legs. Folks who battle RLS often describe it as an aching, tingly, or crawling sensation. Symptoms frequently worsen when you’re resting. RLS can...
The Dieting Mistake That’s Harming Your Health
You don’t need me to tell you that being overweight has health consequences. But if you jump from one diet to another in pursuit of weight loss… well, you should rethink that tactic. A new report suggests that this common practice—yo-yo dieting—could harm your health. In fact, it could be doing FAR more harm than...
“Time Travel” Technique Predicts Dementia 20 Years EARLY?
Did you ever watch those old time-travel movies when you were a kid? I sure did—and I loved to daydream about being able to see the future. Well, now a new international study may have just uncovered a way for us to experience something similar. It’s probably not quite how you imagined it as a...
Are Your Ears Giving You a Hidden Warning?
Do you struggle to follow conversations in crowded restaurants? Or do you find yourself repeatedly asking, “What?” at big family gatherings like Thanksgiving? Most people brush this off as a normal part of aging. But groundbreaking research suggests this common problem could be an early WARNING SIGN of something far more serious… A massive study...