Stay safe in the snow and ice

Don’t slip and slide with top tips from the British Chiropractic Association

With temperatures in the UK on par with the Arctic, accident & emergency services are reporting a significant rise in the number of ice and snow-related injuries. To ensure everyone can stay safe in the snow and avoid injury, follow these top tips from Tim Hutchful of the British Chiropractic Association:

Best Foot Forward
It is a good idea to have two pairs of shoes, one for walking in the snow, the other for either driving or walking around the office. A waterproof shoe is preferable for outside, one that gives you support (like a walking shoe), has a grippy sole and can be laced supportively around the foot and ankle.
Whilst wellingtons can be practical, they often don’t give you enough support and can be difficult to take off. Avoid walking outside in leather soled shoes and, if you are driving, change your shoes if possible so your feet do not slip on the pedals.

Top Gear
Clothing should be warm and allow you to move freely. Avoid things in your pockets that may do you harm if you do fall. An ideal jacket length should be to just below your waist and on the hips, but make sure it doesn’t impede your walking; if you fall, you will be thankful for the extra padding.
In addition to keeping you warm, hats and gloves can also act as padding should you fall. A hat can act a bit like a crash helmet and reduce the force of any knock to the head. Likewise, when wearing gloves, you are less likely to have your hands in your pockets, which may help you if were to slip.

Falling Gracefully
If you do fall, try and curl up and ‘roll’ with the fall and stay relaxed, this will minimise any jarring to your body. Whilst it may be an automatic reaction, try to avoid putting your hands out to save you – this may cause wrist injuries.

Keep Your Wits
It goes without saying, try to avoid alcohol. Not only will you be more prone to feeling the adverse effects of the cold (because it causes loss of body heat) but it may also cause you to take risks that you wouldn’t normally do and, of course, make you more unsteady on your feet. Keep topped up with warm drinks to keep your temperature up.

Plan, Plan, Plan
Plan what you need to do, especially if it involves travelling anywhere. Avoid walking too near the edge of the pavement to avoid slipping into traffic. Be patient, don’t hurry and watch out for parts of the pavement that may have been in shadow or under trees, where there is more likely be black ice.

Travelling by Car
Getting the car off the drive can be a problem so, if possible, sort out your garage and put the car away. If you do have to scrape the ice off your car, make sure that you have the correct implements. Stand on a stable surface and do not over stretch.

Safe Shovelling
Whilst very satisfying, clearing snow can be a very strenuous task. Make sure you bend your knees and keep your back straight, don’t twist too much as any “unaccustomed activity” may cause injury, if in doubt, put some salt or grit down instead.

Remember if you do fall make sure you get checked over as soon as possible, especially if you hit your head. Enjoy the snow but keep warm and try to stay as safe as possible.

For more information call the British Chiropractic Association on 0118 950 5950 or visit www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk where there is practical advice to help avoid back problems and improve posture.