Holiday Hazards: Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls This Winter

The holidays are a time for cheer, festivities, and celebration – but slippery sidewalks, icy patches, and hidden cords can quickly turn joyful moments into unexpected mishaps. While slips, trips, and falls are unexpected and not always preventable, there are ways to decrease your risk of falling and getting injured during the holiday season. Learn more about how to avoid falls during the winter and what to do if you should experience one.

Tips for Avoiding Falls During the Holidays

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 million fall-related hospitalizations among older adults occur annually, with the injury rate increasing as temperatures drop. Steps you can take to avoid falling this holiday season include:

• Clearing ice and snow from walkways and using salt or sand for traction
• Wearing shoes with good grip and support to avoid slipping
• Keeping holiday decorations and cords out of high-traffic areas to prevent tripping
• Exercising caution when using ladders for decorating or cleaning
• Staying inside when it’s icy if you don’t need to go anywhere
• Using handrails, a walking stick, a walker, or a cane when out in winter weather

What to Do if You Fall

If you feel yourself falling, try to take the hit on your buttock or back instead of your arms. After a fall, wait for someone to help you up. If you spring up immediately, you run the risk of falling again and further injuring yourself. If you continue to experience pain following the aftermath of your fall, you should seek orthopedic care.

Get Pain Relief in Hudson County

Slips, trips, and falls are extremely common during the holiday season and winter months. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially if there is holiday decor around, and use your best judgment when out in the ice and snow. If you experience a fall and need pain relief in Hoboken, Jersey City, or Bayonne, turn to the expert team at The Orthopedic Health Center. We prioritize personalized care and non-surgical treatment options wherever possible. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.