Avoid the Slip: Tips for Winter Fall Prevention
Exercise Specialist Amanda Parker helps keep you injury-free this season
November 29, 2019
There are many wonderful things synonymous with wintertime – holiday time spent with family and friends, beautiful snow-covered landscapes, peace and tranquility. It’s an unpleasant fact of winter, though, that that same beautiful snow-covered landscape could be hiding some slipping hazards like black ice. According to the latest stats from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), the number and severity of slips and falls increases in winter, making it the number one cause of sport or winter injuries in Canada. So, to help keep you on your feet and injury-free through the holiday season, CGC Exercise Specialist Amanda Parker gives her top tips for preventing falls this winter.
Wear shoes with good traction. Look for boots with good ankle support and slip resistant soles. Ice grippers that can be worn over boots can also improve walking on ice and snow. Also, “dress warm to keep muscles relaxed,” says Amanda.
Plant both feet on the ground and steady yourself before getting out of your car.
Walk slowly taking short, frequent steps. Have you heard the expression ‘walk like a penguin’ to describe safe walking practices in slippery conditions? Step with toes pointed slightly outward to maintain a stable base of support. Amanda adds, “keep your hands out of your pockets to help keep your balance.”
Above all, she emphasizes, stay active to maintain muscular strength and joint stability. You can check out some great, do-anywhere balance and stability exercises from Amanda here: https://canadagamescentre.ca/fitness/personal-training/healthy-habits-active-advice/
From all of us at the CGC to all of you, Merry Fitness and Healthy Holidays!