Winter activities for most of us consists of Christmas movies, hot cocoa, gift shopping, and avoiding the cold. While we often think of these activities as relatively safe, this is not always the case. Winter injuries are quite common if you consider the changes in environment. Snow, ice, frozen roads, black ice, and quite obviously, the cold. Winter injuries are more common than you think, and you don’t have to be out too long to end up with one. So, we’re here to bring awareness, and help you keep safe from potential injury during this jolly time of year.
Winter Injuries: Have a Merry, Safe Holiday
Quite obviously, the change in elements brings along quite a few dangerous friends. But, arguably the most dangerous to look out for— is ice. Ice is slippery, cold, hard, and can often come out of nowhere. For these reasons, it can be easier than you think to take a tumble, or even slide in your car. Therefore, ice related Winter injuries are quite common.
When you fall, you might find yourself with bruises, head injuries, sprains, strains, twists, broke bones, back injuries, and even spinal cord injuries— there’s really no limit to the type of injury you might incur from taking a tumble on ice. Consider buying slip-resistant shoes, keep your eyes peeled for ice on the ground, and shovel your walkways.
Car Accidents
Aside from the obvious black ice, there are plenty of other hazards on the Winter roadway— such as falling snow, freezing rain, sleet, and drunk drivers. These later months not only bring more dangerous elements, but more careless— and high volume, drivers as well. Therefore car accidents can be some of the most common winter injuries out there. However, there might not be too much you can do to prevent them— besides avoiding drunk driving, and avoiding the roads during dangerous weather.
Sledding
While sledding is a popular pastime, and memory, for most of us— it also brings about potential dangers. From stiff muscles, joints, colliding with others, and even trees— there are plenty of dangers. When sledding, or doing any other sort of Winter activity, choose your spot wisely. Avoid hills near busy walkways, heavy wooded areas, and potential traffic.
In short, winter injuries are a possibility— but there are certain steps you can take to avoid being part of that statistic. Keep your eyes peeled, sled safe, drive as little as possible, and clear your walkways. By following these few steps, and creating your own safety routine, you’ll make it out of this holiday season without an injury in sight.