November is Falls Prevention month and Prairie Mountain Health is reminding Manitoban’s to take extra caution when outside this winter.
Co-Lead of Regional Falls Prevention Committee for Prairie Mountain Health, Nancy Tregunna, explains the important steps to stay safe this winter.
“Falls prevention month’s theme is ‘Be Ready, Be Steady,’ so we are really focussing on safe winter walking. It’s really important to kind of plan your trip before you go outside – dress in layers so that you’re warm, wear bring reflective gear, make sure your footwear is well insulated and has a good tread.”
She adds that 1 in every 4 people over the age of 65 have at least one fall a year, and that falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations and death in Manitoba.
“If you do find yourself walking on ice make sure you’re moving slowly, thinking about your next step, being very careful, leave your knees loose, shorten your strides, and shuffle your feet. Walking like a penguin is a good way to make sure you don’t fall on the ice.”
For more information about Falls Prevention Month, click here.
