When ice-covered ground comes between you and your walking destination, turn to the penguin.
Cathy Pieroni, nurse practitioner with Powers Health Medical Group, advises people to model the flightless bird’s gait to avoid slip sliding away.
“Walk like a penguin,” she said. “Take short steps and shuffle your feet.”
Pieroni, who works at Powers Health Medical Group – Immediate Care Center Valparaiso, 1451 W. Morthland Drive, said winter-related injuries often occur when people try to catch themselves to avoid a fall. They tend to land on a wrist, elbow or knee.
“In the cold weather, you should assume every surface is slippery and hold on to anything you can for support,” she said.
Proper footwear is essential, not just for warmth but for gripping as well.
“You have to wear boots or shoes with good traction on the soles,” she said.
When exiting a vehicle, make sure both feet are on the ground before you stand up. Hold on to the door as another point of balance. If possible, walk on grass instead of a slick driveway.
When carrying groceries or other bags inside your house, make multiple slow trips instead of overloading yourself and hauling everything at once.
Pieroni cautioned against leaving wet boots to dry in areas with heavy foot traffic, such as an entryway. Otherwise, people could slip and fall on a puddle of melted snow.
If you do fall, head to one of five Powers Health Immediate Care locations. The healthcare workers are equipped with technology to evaluate injuries, take X-rays, apply splints and knee braces, suture and make orthopedic referrals.
Powers Health can serve you at the following five Immediate Care locations:
- Powers Health Medical Group – Immediate Care Crown Point, 10215 Broadway; 219-661-6098
- Powers Health Medical Group – Immediate Care Munster, 10240 Calumet Ave.; 219-703-2420
- Powers Health Medical Group – Immediate Care Schererville, 7651 Harvest Drive; 219-322-5723
- Powers Health Medical Group – Immediate Care St. John, 9660 Wicker Ave.; 219-365-1177
- Powers Health Medical Group – Immediate Care Valparaiso, 1451 W. Morthland Drive, Suite D; 219-286-3880
