Preventing falls on icy sidewalks

Last week, with a fresh blanket of snow hiding the previous week’s icy leftovers, the Allegheny County Health Department posted on Twitter:

“PLEASE BE CAREFUL! Local emergency departments are reporting about 50% more injuries than normal for this time of year from falls. A reminder that snow and ice-covered sidewalks and roadways can be dangerous.”

Susan Neff, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s representative for the National Falls Free Initiative, gives this advice on preventing falls on icy sidewalks:

Protect your elders

Older adults are particularly susceptible to slipping and falling. If you have an older relative or neighbor, check on them often and, if possible, help them keep their walkways and driveways clean and safe. Consider helping your older neighbors or family members by running errands or walking their dogs for them so they do not have to go outside. Be sure snow is removed immediately before it becomes packed down and turns to ice. Pay special attention to porch stoops, steps, sidewalks and driveways by applying ice melt to prevent the formation of ice patches.

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging offers many falls prevention workshops through Area Agencies on Aging. One of the programs, Healthy

Steps for Older Adults, offers simple tips to stay safe in icy conditions. car the car — careful that’s for occur. support. where and Be hold many Also particularly on use injuries to caution outside when when first it’s stepping icy, or back inside when your shoes may be wet. Many injuries occur when there is a change in surfaces. Test your travel path by sliding your shoe or boot on it to see if it is slick.

Find safe footwear

There is no single shoe sole material that is perfect for all conditions, but footwear with rubber or neoprene composite soles provides better traction on ice and snow than leather or plastic. Ice- and snow-grip traction devices may be helpful, but should only be used if walking on compacted snow or ice. They should not be used if walking on cleared walkways.

Walk small

Experts advise us to walk “small.” Avoid an erect, marching posture. Look ahead to see where your next step is. When you step on icy areas, take short, shuffling steps, curl your toes under and walk as flatfooted as possible. Spread your feet out slightly like a penguin to stabilize your center of gravity.

Use extra caution when stepping into and out of a

Hands up

Your arms help to keep you balanced, so take hands out of pockets and avoid carrying heavy loads. The most common injuries due to winter slips and falls are neck and back strains and broken wrists, elbows or hands. While falling, many people land on their hands incorrectly, causing wrist, hand or elbow breaks.

If you feel yourself starting to fall, try to avoid landing on your knees, wrists or back. Try to fall on a fleshy part of your body, such as your side. If you are able to relax your muscles when you fall, you may injure yourself less.

If you experience an injury while falling, or develop pain that persists after falling, it is important to see a doctor to determine the type and severity of the injury.