Slipping Into Trouble: Stay Steady this Winter

Learn some simple precautions to help you stay upright and safe in the winter months.

Sylvia Banov, a physical therapist at Rutland Regional Medical Center, all too often sees patients who have fallen due to slippery winter conditions.

Falls happen in the blink of an eye, but there are ways to reduce the risk. Read Jon's winter fall story and learn some simple precautions to stay upright and safe in the winter months.

Jon, a 74-year-young Vermonter, was eagerly preparing for his first date with Betty on a snowy winter evening. Thinking how the twinkling snow and marquee lights of the Paramount Theater would set the perfect romantic mood for his date with Betty, he slipped into his freshly pressed suit. As he got ready, Jon considered shoveling his walkway but hesitated, recalling how he’d thrown out his back doing the same thing just two weeks ago.

For the occasion, he decided to skip his comfortable winter trekking boots and instead chose his shiny black leather dress shoes. Jon glanced at his trusty walking pole but frowned. It was well-worn and the scrapes and smudges didn’t complement his polished look. “I hardly use it anymore,” he thought, “I’ll be fine without it for one night.”

Feeling like a million bucks, and with a box of truffles for Betty tucked under his arm, Jon stepped out into the snowy evening. As he strutted down his walkway, disaster struck! He slipped on the icy surface and went flying. The truffles soared into the air and fell down around and on Jon as he landed hard on the slick surface. Looking at his arm bent at an unnatural angle, Jon groaned in pain and sadness, realizing that his romantic evening was ruined before it even began.

Jon’s story is not just a reminder of how quickly winter conditions can turn dangerous but how quickly a fall can happen. Falls are common in winter, but by following a few simple steps, you can reduce your risk: 

Winter Safety Checklist to Reduce Falls and Injury 

• Choose the Right Footwear: Wear shoes or boots with good traction to reduce slipping.
• Walk Like a Penguin: Take short, careful steps to stay balanced on icy surfaces.
• Use Support if Needed: Bring a walking stick or cane for extra stability—even if it doesn’t match your outfit.
• Shovel Smartly: 
  • Use a lightweight shovel.
  • Push snow instead of lifting.
  • If you must lift the snow, do so with your legs, not your back.
  • When shoveling or enjoying winter sports, take breaks and stay hydrated.
• Be Prepared:
  • Add ice cleats to your shoes for grip.
  • Carry sand or kitty litter for icy patches.
  • Use a flashlight in dim lighting.

These simple precautions can help you enjoy the beauty of winter without risking injury. Stay steady this season!