As the seasons change, different injuries and illnesses become more prevalent! In the wintertime, with the changing weather conditions and holidays, it’s no wonder that there’s a number of injuries and newly introduced risks. Consider these tips for common winter injuries and prevention.
Falling on Ice and Snow
According to the CDC, falls are the leading risk of injury among older Americans and winter weather conditions only raise this concern. Bruises, head injuries, broken bones, and back injuries are commonly the result of such falls. Therefore, it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of such accidents. Wear proper footwear with good treading. Keep a short stride and void long steps. Try not to rush – running on ice is an easy way to slip. Keep your phone handy in event of a fall and don’t be afraid to call 9-1-1 if you find yourself dealing with a serious injury.
Winter Sports Injuries
Sports are the most common source of winter injuries for children and teens. These injuries range from fractures to breaks; from sprains to dislocations. Overexertion, improper form, the presence of ice, and sheer intensity cause winter sports injuries. With that said, skiing, snowboarding, sledding, tobogganing, snow tubing, and ice skating cause injuries more frequently than other winter sports. In order to keep winter sports injuries at bay, stay in healthy shape during the offseason, check all sports equipment before engaging in these activities, and warm-up or condition your muscles before participating. Lastly, don’t forget to wear all recommended safety and protective gear including helmets, goggles, and padding.
Cooking Injuries
Baking is a must during the winter season! And with all of the holidays throughout the winter season, you’re constantly cooking. Burns, cuts, eye irritation… depending on the severity of the injury, you might need medical attention! Use a pot-holder or towel over the handle of pots and pans, keep knives away from the counter’s edge to keep them out of reach of children. Wipe up drips and spills immediately in order to reduce the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. Remember that wet hands conduct heat quickly and have less traction, so dry your hands to protect yourself.
Frost Bite & Hypothermia
With the chilled temperatures of the winter season, frostnip, frostbite, and hypothermia become a very real threat. When you’ve been exposed to extremely cold temperatures for an extended period of time, you might experience any of these common winter injuries. Frostbite and frostnip typically affect your extremities meaning your fingers, toes, face, and ears. It’s a numbness, redness, a pins-and-needles feeling, and if severe, could cause blisters or scabs. Hypothermia is different in that it’s the result of your body temperature falling before 95 F. In order to prevent any of these three common winter injuries, cover up with a hat, gloves, scarf, and coat, avoid activities that would cause you to sweat, layer up, and stay as dry as possible!
When in doubt, make sure that you get checked! If you find yourself struggling from a slip or fall or seeking pain relief after a burn or treatment for frostbite, contact Abba Medical Transportation to get you safely to and from your doctor’s appointment or Emergency Room visit.