The warmer weather so far this winter is a blessing for some people, but it has also created slippery, icy conditions, which can lead to painful falls.
The multiple freeze-thaw cycles in Prince George over the past few months has left layers of ice on driveways, sidewalks and parking lots. A wrong step in those conditions can lead to a nasty fall and perhaps a serious injury, but Northern Health injury prevention co-ordinator Denise Foucher said that's no reason to lock yourself inside.
One of Foucher's key tips to avoiding falls is to stay active, which often means going outside. She said by continuing regular activities, it keeps muscles strong, which help prevent falls in the long run.
"Staying active and involved in activities that you love, whether that be on skis or in the pool or anything in between [is important]," she said. "Keep your muscles moving, keep your strength up, your flexibility and balance so that you've got good coordination, good balance and good strength."
Although Foucher was unable to comment on this year's rate of falls because figures have yet to be tabulated, she did say that the rate generally increases in the autumn and winter months.
"We live in a winter environment and ice and snow add an obstacle," she said. "Winter is winter, we just need to adapt."
While falls can happen to anyone this time of year, Foucher said seniors tend to be most at risk of either serious injury or having a fall cause them to lose their independence.
Given the icy conditions that continue to persist around the region this winter, Foucher said simply taking it easy when walking can help prevent an unexpected spill.
"Just slow down and just take your time," she said. "So that you can see where you're going, whether you're stepping and putting down a firm foot safely on the ice or the snow or on a surface that you're not sure what's underneath, like that little skiff of snow."
For adults, most falls happen around the house, so Foucher emphasized the importance of keeping pathways clear. Because people are familiar with their home environment they may not be as vigilant looking out for potential hazards that can lead to a fall.
When walking outside this time of year, ice grippers attached to boots can be a great tool to get the extra traction needed to avoid a fall.
"A lot of folks I know, they have an old pair of boots they leave their ice grippers on all season," Foucher said. "When they're going out for a walk or shoveling the driveway, they're putting on those boots so that the ice grippers are there and they're good to go."
For seniors, she said a medical alert system that people wear around their neck can add additional peace of mind because after a fall a person can use it to contact someone for help.
Despite all those precautions, falls can and do still occur and Foucher said it's important not to underestimate the impact of potential injuries.
"If you fall and you get up and you feel injured, go and have it assessed," she said. "Often one fall is an indicator that you're at risk for more falls."
