Pointing out that falls can cause significant health problems these days, when snowfall continues, experts warn. Stating that falling while walking in the snow can cause various injuries, ranging from soft tissue trauma to fractures to head trauma, experts said that the most important element is shoes. Stating that shoes should be non-slip, fit well on the floor, have visible protrusions under them and preferably not weigh too much, experts emphasize that hands should not be put into pockets while walking.
Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Brain Hospital Physical Therapy Specialist Dr. Hüseyin Alp Baturalp gave advice on what to consider when walking in the snowy winter days we are in.
Attention should be paid to clothes
“Falling while walking on snow can cause various injuries, ranging from soft tissue trauma to fractures to head trauma,” warns Dr. Hüseyin Alp Baturalp said, “In these days of heavy snowfall in the current winter season and in pandemic conditions, the best way of protection from these traumas is not to go out unless it is necessary.
When going out, we must first prepare by paying attention to our clothes and go out in this way.”
Shoe selection is important
Physical Therapist Dr. Hüseyin Alp Baturalp said:
“The most important element is the shoes. Our shoes should be non-slip, fit well on the floor, have visible protrusions underneath, and preferably not be too heavy.
Walk without putting your hands in your pockets
We should keep our body balance in the center by putting our weight forward and bending our knees slightly, and be careful to walk with small steps without putting our hands in our pockets. This will allow us to balance more easily when we slip and be less affected if we fall.
What to do in case of a fall?
In the event of a fall, instead of opening our hands and arms, we should take a more collective position and try to fall sequentially with thigh, hip and shoulder contact as much as possible.
Clothing selection is also important.
The clothes we wear should also be chosen in bright colors so that we can be easily seen by the drivers around us. In addition, it will be useful to use sunglasses or apply dark make-up under the eyes to protect from the bright effect of snow.
Don’t listen to music, avoid conversation
Drawing attention to the things to be considered while walking, Physiotherapist Dr. Hüseyin Alp Baturalp said, “We should be aware of what is going on around us while walking. For this reason, we should avoid listening to music with headphones or chatting with a friend next to us. This will enable us to take precautions by hearing the approaching dangers and warnings in the traffic. Not only us but also vehicles can slip on snowy and icy surfaces, and this is a separate danger for us.”
Beware of smooth floors!
Pointing out the importance of avoiding wet and icy areas as much as possible while walking, Physical Therapy Specialist Dr. Hüseyin Alp Baturalp listed his warnings as follows:
“Especially melting puddles freeze at night and form slippery ground in the morning. Be careful when entering buildings. Generally, there are smooth floors at building entrances and inside buildings, and these are very suitable areas for skiing. After entering the building, clean the snow from your feet. When going up and down the stairs, make sure to hold on to the handrails and try to step on the steps fully. Avoid shortcuts on hiking trails, as these trails are less used and there is a greater risk of icing. Try to be alert to dangers from above, such as under roofs.”
Source: (BHA) – Beyaz News Agency
