A Freezing Winter: Minimise the risk of falling over

Walking in a winter wonderland can be beautiful but also risky - icy roads and slippery stairs bear a high risk of falling over and not only for the elderly.

Today we came across an article on BT online that seems adequate to share with you in the face of the wintery conditions outside.
 
The article by Lisa Salmon shows that not only elderly people fall over on ice and snow but also the younger ones. However, people over 65 are statistically at higher risk to fall and to suffer severe consequences, such as a fractured hip, which can pose a serious threat to their health and independence.
 
Many falls could be prevented by knowing the risks and behaving accordingly.  Here are the top tips from the article:
 

1. Wear sturdy footwear with a good grip – you can change into other shoes at your destination.
2. Use Nordic walking poles (or similar) for support if you have them.
3. Take it slowly and allow yourself extra journey time – a last-minute dash to catch the bus could be a slippery disaster.
4. Keep an eye on what's underfoot. Some places will remain icy for longer than others, e.g. places that don't get the sun.
5. If you have elderly or disabled neighbours, or neighbours who are new mums, offer to go to the shops for them.
6. If councils have provided grit bins, use them – but don't remove vast quantities for your own use.
7. Of course, as well as slips and trips on pavements and in public places, many people fall on their own footpaths and driveways. Take care in these places too – it may be worth buying some sand, salt or grit so you can scatter it on your drive etc. if wintry conditions are forecast.
   

 
To read the whole article go to bt.com, or visit ageuk.org.uk for more advice on preventing falls.