Prevention 101: Avoiding slips, trips and falls in winter months

Slips, trips and falls can happen any time of the year, but winter conditions can be especially hazardous. The doctors at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists see a rise in injuries such as fractures, concussions, sprains and strains from slips and falls during the winter months.

While these accidents are dangerous for people of any age, they especially threaten the health of older adults. As the leading cause of injury for those 65 and older, slips and falls account for more than 95% of the 300,000 hip fractures that occur in the United States each year.

Siegfried (Sig) Feierabend, M.D., shares, “Our patients’ health and safety is our top priority. With a fall occurrence rate of nearly 30 percent for individuals over age 65, prevention tips, exercise and precautions are necessary in preventing what could be a life-altering or fatal event.”

Play it safe when you are out and about by following these safety tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Watch for ice on steps, sidewalks and pathways, and be careful stepping on and off buses and in and out of cars.
• Slow down. Take small, slow steps if you are walking on slick pavement.
• Clear steps and entrances. Remove snow and ice and put down sand and salt to improve traction.
• Wear proper footgear. Wear boots that provide traction and ankle support and keep your feet dry. If you own a pair, wear ice grippers on your footwear for better traction.

If you’ve experienced a winter slip, trip or fall and were injured, schedule an appointment with one of the doctors at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists by calling (800) 762-1177.