NHS Tayside suggests walking like a penguin to stay safe this winter

NHS Tayside has issued information on how to stay healthy and out of danger this festive period as the next couple of weeks sees an increase in Christmas and New Year parties.

Among the tips, which are shared on their keepwellinwinter.scot.nhs.uk website as well as the health board’s social media pages, is to wrap up warm as the temperatures drop.

They also suggest the unorthodox method of “walking like a penguin” in order to prevent slips and falls.

Dr Ron Cook, consultant in emergency medicine, said: “Alcohol can inhibit your awareness of the cold and this can lead to accidents and potential hypothermia.

“Be aware of how much you are drinking and the number of alcohol units contained within different drinks. It is also important that you do not drive until you are certain you have no alcohol left in your body.

“Wearing high-heeled shoes and drinking alcohol can also lead to slips and trips when roads and pavements are icy so take care when walking.”

And to avoid slips and falls through walking like a penguin, the health board suggest people bend their knees slightly, point their feet out slightly, extend their arms to the side, walk flatfooted and take short slow steps while walking.

It is hoped this will reduce the chances of people sustaining injuries by falling on icy surfaces.

And highlighting the importance of keeping warm, NHS Tayside suggests people should wear lots of thick layers to stay snug, or at least a coat, hat and gloves which can be taken off when inside where it is already warm.