When temperatures drop, visits to the doctor often climb. From falling on ice, to getting frost bite, many people aren’t as safe as they could be during the winter months. Taking simple steps, like wearing slip resistant boots, walking slowly, and paying attention to your body when it starts to shiver or tingle, can all help you avoid the ER this season.
Key Takeaways:
- The number one winter injury in the ER is falling on the ice. Wrist fractures, shoulder injuries, back pain and head trauma —all from losing balance and hitting the hard ground.
- Walk like a penguin on ice: Walk slow, feet shoulder distance apart and take small waddle steps. That keeps your center of gravity over your front leg.
- Wearing a hat is good; it keeps you warm. But you do NOT lose most of your body heat from your head.
“Wearing a hat is good; it keeps you warm. But you do NOT lose most of your body heat from your head.”