According to the 2017-2018 report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), slip and falls on ice accounted for 8,532 hospitalizations across the country. In Saskatchewan alone, there were 6,197 reported emergency department visits as a result of unintentional falls. The length of a hospital stay after a fall is nearly twice as long compared to other medical reasons (14.3 days compared to 7.5 days). Hip fractures are the most common injury resulting from falls. Other common injuries include ankle fractures and head injuries.
Seniors have a higher risk of falling and have a tendency of experiencing more serious injuries as a result. Studies have demonstrated that up to 40% of seniors who break their hip will die within the same year. This is an alarming statistic.
Winter Safety
With winter arriving, people need to be cautious of icy conditions. Everyone is susceptible to slipping and falling so It is important to implement fall prevention strategies. This includes maintaining a healthy fitness level by having strong muscles and good balance, ensuring walking paths are cleared of snow and ice as much as possible, wearing proper footwear and using proper walking technique. Having sturdy winter boots that have large tread or attaching ice cleats for better grip on ice can be beneficial.
Walk Like a Penguin
We should look to the professionals who are the most experienced at walking on icy surfaces, the penguins! The Farmer’s Almanac reported that people who live in colder climates have acclimated by adopting the penguin walk.
Here is the Penguin Walk according to Alberta Health Services:
- Click here for the video!
- Bend slightly and walk flat footed
- Point your feet out slightly like a penguin
- Keep your centre of gravity over your feet as much as possible
- Watch where you are stepping
- Take shorter, shuffle-like steps
- Keep your arms at your sides (not in your pockets!)
- Concentrate on keeping your balance
- Go S-L-O-W-L-Y
Walking like a penguin can help to prevent slip and falls on ice.
Dr. Truong’s Additional Tips:
Improving balance can be done easily and effectively if performed regularly daily. A simple exercise can involve holding the back of the chair and standing on one leg for 15-30 seconds at a time. This can be performed twice on each side and 3 times a day. To progress this exercise, the hands can be removed off from the back of the chair while performing the single leg balance. Performing this exercise in front of a chair can provide assistance in the case that you wobble or lose your balance and need to catch yourself. It is recommended to ask someone to supervise you during this exercise to ensure safety.
