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In a follow-up to the January 10, 2022 blog, this blog will focus on safety during winter recreation. Few things are as beautiful as taking a walk when the air is crisp, and the ground is covered with freshly fallen snow. However, winter walking does not come without its hazards, and a fall onto the frozen ground or ice can cause very serious injury.

According to the Canada Safety Council, there are practical suggestions that young and older adults can take to stay active and safe in the winter [1]:

• Choose a good pair of winter boots;
• Prevent heat loss by wearing a warm hat, scarf, gloves, etc.;
• Use ice grippers (spikes) on footwear to help with walking on packed snow, but they can become very slippery when not walking on snow, and should be removed before walking on smooth surfaces;
• Use a cane or pair of ski poles to assist with balance;
• The use of a retractable ice pick on the end of one’s cane can also be helpful, but should be removed before using the cane on hard, smooth surfaces where it will be slippery;
• Wear a hip protector.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends the following [2]:

• Wear appropriate outdoor clothing, inline with the above;
• Sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches;
• Bring a friend along when you are participating in outdoor recreation and carry your cell phone.

Aside from the risks of a slip, trip, or miss-step and fall, hypothermia is also a risk of enjoying winter recreation activities. According to the CDC, older adults with inadequate food, clothing, or heating, babies sleeping in cold bedrooms, people who remain outdoors for long periods, and people who drink alcohol and use illicit drugs are most often those who experience hypothermia [3]. In adults, warning signs of hypothermia include shivering, memory loss, exhaustion, slurred speech, confusion, drowsiness, and fumbling hands [3]. In general, when the weather is extremely cold, it is best to try to stay indoors. If you must go outside, dress properly and keep in mind who is at high risk for hypothermia [4].

By following the general recommendations suggested by the organizations above, you can safely enjoy recreational activities in the beautiful winter scenery.

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[1] https://canadasafetycouncil.org/safety-tips-for-winter-walking/

[2] https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/winterweather/index.html

[3] https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/hypothermia.html

[4] https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/documents/hypothermia-frostbite_508.pdf