3 Simple Steps For Avoiding Falls This Winter In Ottawa

As an Ottawa Chiropractor, this time of year, I see many injuries resulting from slips and falls.

Slips and falls are the most common ways my clients injure their wrists, hands, knees, and backs during the winter.

Thankfully, there are steps (pun intended) you can take to reduce your risk of a fall, putting you out of commission.

1. Give Yourself Extra Time

With the snow beginning to fall in Ottawa, many of our regular commutes will become slippery and more dangerous.

The first step in preventing a fall is giving ourselves more time to get where we are going.

When we are rushing, it is easy to make mistakes or not fully assess our situation, and this is when accidents typically happen.

2. Check the Weather

Living in Ottawa, we can’t guarantee much about the weather, and at times there will be snow and lots of it. 

Keeping an extra set of gloves, wool socks, or sweater in your car or bag may be helpful to ensure we can bundle up appropriately when the weather turns. 

We’ve all gone to work in the morning, remarking how warm the sun feels only to head home in a blizzard. 

When we’re cold, we don’t move as well or react to changing terrain quickly, which can lead to falls.

Don’t let yourself be unprepared this winter!

3. Appropriate Footwear is Key

My last tip for you this winter is to invest in proper winter boots. 

A great pair of boots will keep your feet warm and dry while providing some slip-protection against snow and ice-covered sidewalks and roads. 

Things to look for in a good pair of boots include water-proofing, textured rubber soles to prevent slips, and laces to ensure we can get a snug fit. 

Now I’ll be the first to admit that most winter boots are not particularly stylish, but if it’s possible to keep a second pair of shoes at the office or in your bag, it can save you a lot of grief and risk of falling this winter.

As the Holidays are around the corner, I wish everyone a happy and safe time to enjoy with your loved ones. 

I hope that following these tips can help reduce your risk of injury. 

If you do suffer an accident or notice aches and pains are slowing you down this month, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Chiropractic care may be an effective treatment for spine pain, headaches, sciatica and sports injuries and is covered by most extended benefit plans.