Theres nothing like a five-hour wait in the emergency room to put a damper on the holiday spirit. Yet each winter thousands of people visit the ER for injuries sustained on snow-packed slopes and icy walkways, from falls taken while trimming the tree or stringing holiday lights.
When the pace gets frenzied -- as it often does around the holidays -- it's easy to get careless. So, to get through the season in one piece, slow down, be smart (you may want to reconsider the spike heels on icy steps) and follow these suggestions from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
Deck the Halls, With Caution
Dont drink and decorate. Your tree should be lit, not you. Once the ornaments and lights are up, then its time for that celebratory cocktail.
Ladder up. Avoid the temptation to stand on furniture to hang items. Instead, use a step stool or ladder, and make sure its up to the job. Never exceed the maximum load capacity listed on the ladder. Make sure to inspect it for loose screws, hinges or rungs.
Get level. Set your ladder on a firm, level surface. Watch out for soft, muddy spots or uneven flooring and never place a ladder on uneven ground.
Down, boy. Children and ladders are not a good combination. Their balance and strength might not be well enough developed to keep them steady. Let them trim whatever they can reach.
The Stabilizer. Ask another adult to help stabilize a ladder to prevent falls and to assist you with your efforts.Hit the Slopes, With Common SensePractice safe sports. Wear appropriate protective gear including goggles, helmets, gloves and padding.Start slow. Warm up your muscles with light exercise for 10 minutes before starting your main activity. Remember to replenish fluids to prevent dehydration.Lesson for the day. Make sure all your equipment is in good working order and that youre using it properly. If youve never participated in a sport before (such as skiing or snowboarding) take a lesson or two from a qualified instructor. Learn how to fall properly to reduce the risk of injury.When the Weather is Frightful, Be Smart A snow job. If you have a heart or vascular condition, talk with your doctor before clearing the driveway and sidewalk of snow. Whether you use a snow blower or shovel, this heavy activity in bad weather can be very taxing on your body, particularly your heart.Hands off. Take care when operating a snowblower. If snow becomes impacted in the machine, stop the engine and wait more than five seconds. Use a solid object to clear wet snow or debris from the chute. The snowblower blade is on tension and usually spins at least one more time once an obstruction is cleared; keep your hands and feet out of the way of that spin!
Clear the way. To avoid shoveling heavy, packed snow, shovel early and often. Do not throw snow over your shoulder or to the side. This requires a twisting motion that places stress on your back.Add salt. De-ice the driveway, walkways, and porch. A small patch of ice can result in a big injury.Watch your step. Wear proper footwear and pay attention to whats in front of you. Ice can cause sudden and serious falls. If you find yourself falling, try to fall on your side or rear. Roll over naturally, turning your head in the direction of the roll.Drive cautiously. Allow plenty of time to brake as you approach stop signs and red lights and reduce your speed in hazardous conditions.
