Preventing Falls in Cold, Icy Weather
Fall and winter can bring wet, slick sidewalks, icy surfaces, and outdoor home maintenance chores that all increase your risk of a fall or serious injury. At Kitsap Chiropractic and Natural Health, we not only treat pain and rehabilitate injuries, we also offer preventive health care and advice on reducing your risk of falls and injuries. Here are some of our tips for reducing your risk of fall-related injuries in Port Orchard, WA as the weather changes.
Follow Ladder Safety Rules
Adults of all ages are at risk of ladder-related falls or injuries. Following ladder safety rules can help you avoid a serious injury:
- Choose the right size ladder for the job. Don’t use a taller ladder than you need, or try to reach a high spot with a ladder that is too short.
- Follow the instructions and weight requirements on the ladder’s label.
- Inspect the ladder before you use it to make sure it isn’t damaged, rusted, or otherwise unsafe.
- Place the ladder on a flat, even, stable surface in a safe location.
- Never prop a ladder against a surface without opening it properly.
- Have someone spot you in case an accident occurs.
- Always face the ladder when climbing up or down.
- Maintain three points of contact on the ladder at all times.
- Don’t hold items while climbing the ladder.
- Don’t go above the recommended step on the ladder.
Follow These Home Maintenance Safety Tips
If you plan on doing outdoor home maintenance chores, especially during cold or wet weather, you will need to take some safety precautions to reduce your risk of an accident or injury:
- Follow ladder safety rules when cleaning gutters or roofs or putting up holiday decorations.
- Lift with your knees and not your back when carrying heavy boxes or equipment.
- Carry heavy items close to your chest rather than out in front of you.
- Get help when moving or carrying very heavy items or equipment.
- Wear appropriate shoes when climbing ladders or doing yard work.
- Take breaks regularly to stretch to avoid muscle strain or repetitive stress injuries.
- If you develop back, neck, hip, or shoulder pain, take a break to rest.
Visit Our Chiropractors for a Seasonal Check-Up
Our chiropractors at Kitsap Chiropractic and Natural Health can evaluate your spinal health and overall health and give you tips for avoiding injuries and illness this fall and winter. Even healthy adults are at a higher risk of injury and illness in the fall and winter, and older adults are particularly vulnerable to falls, cold and flu, pneumonia, and other health issues. We will give you tips for improving your diet, nutrition, and exercise routine to improve your strength, balance, posture, and immune system. Call us now to schedule an appointment, or book an appointment online for an annual chiropractic check-up in Port Orchard, WA.
Posted In:
Chiropractic
Injury Prevention
