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    Staying Safe This Winter Requires Preparation and Common Sense

    Staying Safe This Winter Requires Preparation and Common Sense

    stay safe winter prepare common sense

    During the winter months many distractions can obscure our best judgment and threaten our good health. Here are some tips to keep you and your family healthy and safe this winter.
     
    BE CAREFUL ON THE ICE
     
    When I asked my 8-year-old daughter for some winter injury prevention tips she suggested: “Don’t run on ice.”  

    Sage advice, and pretty obvious — but in the emergency department we routinely see head and hip injuries in the elderly every winter that occur when patients leave their houses on errands that aren’t essential. Obviously I don’t recommend locking yourself inside for the winter, but if the conditions are especially icy, and you don’t have the balance of an Olympic gymnast, think twice before you venture out on icy sidewalks or roads. Slips and falls on the ice can result in bumps and bruises, or more serious injuries like bone fractures.
     
    WEAR A HELMET DURING WINTER ACTIVITIES
     
    Following the theme of common sense, as a rule of thumb, if you’re doing an activity that involves a device with wheels or skis, wear a helmet. This applies to bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, Heelys skate shoes (which I think were invented by an orthopedic surgeon to drum up business), skis, sleds, snowboards, and snowmobiles. Sometimes protective equipment is overlooked when new toys are purchased. Severe traumatic brain injuries are devastating, and you can reduce the risk of sustaining one simply by wearing a helmet.
     
    DON’T CLIMB A LADDER WHEN IT’S ICY
     
    I will tell any patient injured while using a ladder this rule: “If you’re over 50 years old, you have no business being up a ladder.” 

    I say this somewhat lightheartedly, but the combination of worsening balance, slower reflexes, and softer bones makes the use of ladders dangerous. When you add a thin layer of ice to the ladder scenario it’s a recipe for disaster — for anyone of any age. Even if you have some newfound New Year’s motivation and want to take your holiday lights down before Easter, wait until the ice melts a little!
     
    BE WISE WHEN YOU’RE TAKING PART IN SNOW SPORTS
     
    See my earlier thoughts about wearing helmets. While helmets may not eliminate all head injuries, in many cases they represent an ounce of prevention and provide enough protection to reduce the risk of less-serious head injuries. Traumatic head injuries can be devastating, and you only get one brain, so it’s best to always wear a helmet. And remember: They also keep your head warmer.
     
    With the low snow conditions we’re experiencing this year, there are more exposed rocks, icier conditions, and just as many snow enthusiasts. This perfect storm for injuries requires… you guessed it, common sense. Ski/snowboard in control, if you can’t ski or board in control get a lesson, and always be on the lookout for skiers and boarders who are out of control.
     
    Having fun outdoors in the winter makes it easy to forget the need to stay warm, especially during downtime or in between activities. Exposure is a real danger during the winter, especially at higher elevations. Some of the best tips include: Wear layers, stay dry, know the weather before you go, and always be prepared. Carrying a small daypack with the essentials can mean the difference between life and death if you get caught out in the elements. Again, while common sense should dictate our actions, there are lots of resources online (like this one at REI). Should there be a link here?
     
    DRIVE CAREFULLY
     
    Along with our recurring theme of making sure we’re all using common sense, watch out for ice and avoid distractions when you’re driving. When the roads are bad, don’t make unnecessary trips (I think this applies to seeing family and in-laws!), allow extra time, and keep in mind that a car full of over-stimulated family members or friends can compromise your ability to drive safely. And remember: Never drink and drive!
     
    Be safe this winter, and if something happens or you get yourself into a bind, we’re here to help you, 24/7/365.