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By Joel Vernier
This winter has been unusually icy, with days of ice at a time. We’ve faced ice patches on roads, grass, and walkways, as well as sheet ice—smooth enough to skate on.
The US Centers for Disease Control recommends: Stay Off The Ice! In 2022, there were 2,526 falls in Michigan. This likely excludes unreported or urgent care falls. Falls on ice may cause wrist, shoulder, arm, tailbone, head, or spinal injuries, as well as twisted ankles and herniated discs. Nationally, the U.S. sees one million falls and 17,000 deaths annually, mostly from head injuries. Better safe than sorry.
Staying off the ice is not always realistic. What type of daily activities may involve walking on slippery, snowy, and icy surfaces? Walking to the mailbox, taking garbage or recycling out, walking the dogs, walking to the car parked outside to clean off the snow or just get into it, going shopping for essentials or gifts.
I have very strong bones! I used to use that as an excuse for being a bit heavy. During a spinal tap, the caregivers snapped three stainless steel Drill bits trying to penetrate the bone. With all the falls I have had in my life with sports, being a teenager, and climbing on things that were not meant to be climbed on, car accidents, being bucked off by horses, and slipping on the ice, I have never broken a bone, thank you to my “Guardian Angel!” But I do understand that I am at risk like everyone else, and as I mature (getting older), that increases the risk of a broken bone! What do I mean by that? Roughly one-third of older adults die within one year of a hip fracture!
Please consider developing a specific plan to keep yourself safe from falls on snow and ice. Write down steps that work for you. For example, ask a neighbor to help with the mail or the trash so you don’t have to walk on ice. If you have a garage, drive your car or a side-by-side to the mailbox. Some keep trash and recycling cans by the road and drive trash out when needed to avoid carrying them. If you must walk on ice, consider using ice cleats over your boots to improve traction. You may also wait for warmer weather to make those trips, allowing the ice to melt. Waiting can help you avoid a fall and a possible visit to the E.R. Remember: safety first!
Personally, I prefer ICE in a drink—just not to walk on!
I need to take out the garbage, but I will wait until the ice melts. I may use a small can in the garage until then.
