When you live on the east coast, the holiday season usually brings more than good cheer--it can also bring snow and other types of inclement weather. This year, snow has already affected those living everywhere from Atlanta to Maine, and winter hasn’t even officially begun yet.
Snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures can also create the type of environmental hazards that lead to a fall injury. Falls from snow and ice can happen at any age, but there can be grave consequences when you experience a fall when you are over the age of 65. The Centers For Disease Control estimates that roughly one in five falls in people over the age of 65 results in a serious injury, like a broken bone or head injury. In fact, over 95 percent of hip fractures are the result of a fall injury.
Winter Safety Tips To Prevent A Fall Injury
Thankfully, there are a variety of winter safety tips that older adults can follow in order to prevent a fall injury this winter:
Plan Ahead
Make sure to pay close attention to the weather report during the colder months in order to prepare for an impending storm or sub-zero temperatures. If you know that inclement weather is coming, you can be sure to plan ahead, getting all of your groceries and necessities, like batteries and flashlights, before a storm rolls in. This will help you avoid leaving the house during the worst winter weather conditions, and also prevent a fall injury.
Enlist Help
One of the best winter safety tips you can abide by is to ask for help when you need it. This includes arranging for a neighbor or family member to help shovel or salt your driveways and walkways when it snows, in order to prevent falls and other injuries this winter. Shoveling snow can be hard on the body, especially an aging body, so enlisting someone to help with that winter weather task can help you avoid fall injury this season.
Wear The Right Shoes and Clothes
When cold weather comes around, being prepared with the right clothes and accessories can make all the difference. Investing in a good pair of warm, well-fitting, water-resistant, rubber-soled winter boots is the best way to prevent a fall injury during inclement weather. In order to prevent hypothermia and other illnesses, it’s in your best interest to have a warm pair of gloves, wool socks, and a warm coat in your closet as well.
Pay Attention
Many falls occur due to distraction while walking. The best way you can prevent a fall injury is to pay attention and concentrate on the ground ahead of you and where you are placing your feet. Be sure to take your time, walking slowly and deliberately. This is not only one of our great winter safety tips, it is also a great general safety tip year round.
Beyond Prevention: Ensure Your Safety With Medical Guardian
In addition to these winter safety tips, choosing to be proactive about aging can also help you remain safe should you sustain a fall injury. Medical Guardian is proud to be a reliable and affordable service that could one day save your life.
Take advantage of our holiday special offer on any of our Medical Guardian medical alert systems. To receive 2 FREE months of service simply enter the code WINTER17 for an online purchase or mention WINTER17 to one of our Life Safety Consultants over the phone.
