STAY UPRIGHT AND ACTIVE DURING WINTER WEATHER
Brrr, it’s cold out there! With winter and icy weather comes safety risks, such as getting injured from a strain while shoveling (or slipping on ice as you walk in a parking lot!) Having your balance assessed this season could help you to avoid fall-related injuries. Give Choice Physical Therapy a call today to schedule an appointment, so we can help you feel steady on your feet! Our therapists are the balance experts in the field and want to make sure our patients lower their fall risk as much as possible. STAYING SAFE AND ACTIVE IN WINTER Between the limited daylight hours, chilly temperatures, and occasionally icy conditions outside, staying safe and healthy can be challenging. Anything you can do to keep active during the winter months is a step in the right direction! Ice and snow are the biggest threats that winter poses, especially to older patients! Slipping on ice can result in nasty, painful falls. However, with preparation and planning, you can stay safe and active in the winter months. This may sometimes feel difficult to accomplish due to injuries and inclement weather, but knowing the proper steps to take can help you keep doing the things you enjoy no matter the conditions outside. The most common injuries related to cold weather happen from falls on icy sidewalks, steps, driveways, and porches. Ideally, you will stay off the ice when possible. Walking on ice is extremely dangerous, regardless of how good your balance is. Do your best to keep your steps and walkways free of ice with sand, salt, or cat litter. If you plan to run or walk on snowy, icy surfaces, attaching snow or ice spikes to your boots or running shoes will help you maintain traction to reduce the risk of falls. Be careful with wearing spikes on the pavement as they are designed to penetrate the ground and affect your balance.
HOW CAN A BALANCE EXPERT HELP ME REDUCE MY FALL RISK? The physical therapists at Choice Physical Therapy are balance experts who can help you improve your balance and fight back against the risk of falling this winter. Your therapist will perform a thorough physical examination to identify the source of your pain and/or injuries if they are present. Your mobility, strength, balance, and gait will be assessed as well to determine your fall risk. This information will help us create a program including targeted manual techniques, mobility work, strengthening, and any appropriate balance and gait techniques that can help keep you upright and on your feet this season!
INSIDE: • Staying Safe and Active in Winter
• 3 Fall Nutrition Tips • Exercise Essentials • Healthy Recipe
Made with FlippingBook Converter PDF to HTML5