Kevin Laliberte
Editor, Smoky River Express

The recent mild spell is welcome news for just about everyone in the Smoky River region. It’s the constant melting and re-freezing combined with the slick “skating rink-like” conditions on some streets, driveways and sidewalks which most of us admittedly would rather do without. Especially those of us who have learned about the force of gravity the hard way recently after slipping and landing on their butt, myself included. My rather painful and awkward fall occurred early one morning last week in the driveway while making my way to our vehicle. No sooner than I had offered the safety-conscious words to our kids about the need to tread carefully on their way to the bus stop I found myself flying through the before crashing hard to the ground. Oh, oh, I thought to myself as I tried to brace myself for the obvious. This is definitely gonna leave a mark. Thankfully, I walked away from the fall with little more than hurt pride and a bruised hip. My wife’s aunt in Edmonton wasn’t quite as fortunate last week after she slipped on ice last week and broke her wrist while trying to brace herself during the fall. And I’m certain she’s not alone. The reality is that winter can be an extremely challenging time of year to get around, regardless of whether you’re trying to navigate on slippery roads or going out for a leisurely stroll in the cool, crisp air. Freezing rain, icy surfaces and piles of hard-packed snow pose a hazard for everyone, especially seniors who are more susceptible to serious injuries as the result of a sudden fall at this time of year. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), almost 12,000 people in the province of Ontario visited an emergency room (ER) in 2002–2003 after falling on ice with more than half of the incidents, not surprisingly, taking place in January and February. The CIHI also points out that baby boomers are the most prone to slipping and falling on ice with the 40 to 59 age demographic accounting for 30 percent of ER visits. Older age groups, however, are more likely to be admitted to hospital with injuries serious enough to require longer stays. Over one-third of all people between 60 and 79 who are hospitalized after falling remain ther for an average of 7.6 days. And that number is even higher for the elderly (80 and older) with an average hospital stay of 14.5 days after sustaining serious injuries from a fall. Just one bad fall on ice can have serious long-term consequences for our seniors, including chronic pain in the affected area; a disabling injury that may mean loss of independence; or fear of another fall, which discourages a healthy, active lifestyle. So, what should you do if it’s impossible to avoid an icy patch when walking? Well, believe it or not, body movements can increase your stability on an icy surface. First, slow down and think about your next move. Keeping your body as loose as possible, spread your feet to more than a foot apart to provide a base of support. This will help stabilize you as you walk. Some people prefer to drag their feet or shuffle them. If this feels better to you, then do so. Just remember to place your whole foot on the ice at once and keep your base of support approximately one foot wide. You should also consider the use boots that feature traction-enhancing rubber out soles which help you stay afoot while removing all the white stuff. Last, but certainly not least, is the importance of each of us to ensure our driveways and sidewalks are free of snow and ice to help prevent injuries from happening to you, your family and friends. And it time isn’t on your side, try salt or kitty litter as a temporary solution. Stay safe, keep both feet on the ground and above all else, remain upright!

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