With winter beginning to set in, people all over the world are going to start having to deal with colder and potentially freezing temperatures. And when this happens, the possibility of slipping and falling gets much higher.
Even for young and healthy people, slipping and falling on the ice can result in bumps and bruises. But for those who might be a bit more fragile, like this who are living in assisted living facilities, it’s vital to their health not to fall on the snow and ice. So to help ensure that this doesn’t happen, here are three ways to avoid slips and falls in icy conditions.
Take Small, Slow Steps
Ideally, you should try to avoid walking on icy and slick ground as much as possible. But when you can’t just stay inside, it’s vital that you know how to best walk across slick surfaces to reduce the chances of slipping and falling.
One way you can do this is to take small, slow steps. If you try to hurry too much across icy surfaces, you won’t be able to maintain your balance as well and can slip on the ground due to not having your foot firmly planted before taking another step. And by taking small steps, you can better maintain your center of gravity. In fact, not picking your feet up too much can make walking on slick surfaces much easier.
Find Ways To Maintain Your Balance
Something else you can do to maintain your balance is to find something to hold onto while you’re walking.
If there are railings or handholds that you can grab onto while walking, even if they aren’t necessarily meant for this purpose, holding onto them can help you stay balanced and support your weight so you don’t have to put so much weight onto your feet directly. Keep in mind, however, that having both of your hands free can also help you to balance better, so weigh your options appropriately.
Wear The Proper Shoes
The shoes that you wear on slick surfaces can make a big difference in how much traction you have and how easily you’ll slip. For example, you won’t want to wear indoor slippers or other indoor shoes outside, as your traction will usually be non-existent.
In winter weather and cold climates, you should seek to wear shoes that have non-slip soles. Additionally, if you know that you’ll be walking on very slick surfaces, having something on your shoes that gives you extra traction, like ice grippers, can be very helpful as well.
If you’re worried about slipping and falling when walking around this winter, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you find ways to stay safe on your feet.
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