As Alaskans head into the midst of the colder months, it’s important to be cautious of any dangerous weather conditions.
One of the main culprits to be cautious of is ice.
According to Dr. Elizabeth Phelan professor of gerontology and geriatric medicine and medical director of the Fall Prevention Clinic at Harborview Medical Center, anyone is prone to slipping and falling on ice, regardless of their age.
“Research out of Nordic countries and the UK shows that there’s double to triple the number of emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to falls from ice and snow.” said Phelan.
Some common injuries from falling on an icy surface include ligament and tendon tears, broken bones, and concussions.
Just because someone has good balance doesn’t mean that they are susceptible to slipping on ice, so it’s extremely important to be cautious when venturing out in icy conditions.
“If people are having difficulty recovering from a fall, that is something they should speak with their healthcare providers about,” said Phelan.
If you find yourself having to walk outside when there’s icy conditions, keep these tips in mind.
First, be sure to wear slip-resistant shoes. They can reduce fall injuries by a-prominently 60%.
Try to limit the number of items you’re carrying on your person. The extra weight can throw off your balance. Plus, you’ll need your hands to catch yourself if you do happen to fall.
And speaking of hands, avoid using your phone while walking. Any distractions can make you oblivious to any hidden patches of ice in the area.