Falling in Rexburg’s winter weather can be painful and dangerous. With black ice at every corner, here are some tips to help you avoid falling and stay safe.
Wear appropriate footwear
Invest in a solid pair of winter boots with good traction. Look for boots with a rubber sole and deep treads, which will provide a better grip on slippery surfaces.
Walk carefully
Walk slowly and deliberately. Be especially careful when walking on ice and snow. Try to take short steps and use the “pencil test,” where you tap the ground in front of you with the tip of a pencil or other small object to test for ice
Keep your hands free
Keep your hands free of heavy bags or other items that can throw off your balance.
Keep your phone charged and with you
In case of an emergency, it is important to have a charged phone with you.
Be aware of your surroundings
Always be aware of your surroundings and the weather conditions. If it’s too cold or the snow is too deep, it may be best to stay indoors.
Keep your body in shape
Exercise regularly and keep your body in good shape, as it will help you maintain your balance and avoid falls.
Get up after a fall
If you find yourself suddenly sprawled out on the ground, don’t fret — it’s just your body’s way of reminding you that gravity exists. But seriously, try to get back up quickly before your neighbors start using you as a speed bump.
Use the winter technique
Winter weather can be challenging, especially when it comes to walking on ice. Falling down on the ice can be a painful and even dangerous experience. But did you know that walking like a penguin can help prevent falling down on the ice?
According to an article by OSF Healthcare written in 2021, this technique has proven effective.
Penguins are well adapted to life on the ice, and their unique method of walking can teach us a lot about staying upright in slippery conditions. Penguins walk with a distinctive, waddling gait that helps them maintain balance and stability on the ice.
By adopting this style of walking, we can reduce our risk of falling down on the ice.
One of the key elements of walking like a penguin is to keep your center of gravity low. This means hunching over slightly and keeping your knees bent. By lowering your center of gravity, you increase your stability and make it easier to maintain your balance.
Another important aspect of walking like a penguin is to take short, shuffling steps. This reduces the impact of each step and helps you maintain your balance. When you walk on ice, it’s important to keep your feet close to the ground and avoid taking long strides.
In addition, it’s also important to keep your arms out to your sides. This helps you maintain your balance and gives you something to hold onto in case you start to slip. If you find yourself losing your balance, try to stay calm and focus on using your arms to regain stability.
Walking like a penguin is a simple and effective way to prevent falling down on the ice. By keeping your center of gravity low, taking short shuffling steps, keeping your arms out to your sides and wearing the right footwear, you can stay safe and upright in even the most challenging winter conditions.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to walk safely and comfortably in the winter weather and avoid falling.