DEMAVIC-MARKETPLACE

IN REGARDS TO

winter falls
 

The wonder of the landscape of the first winter frosts can quickly turn into a nightmare if, once in the painting, your feet slip on the icy pavement and decide to send you to see stars.
If it is undesirable, this nightmare is nevertheless very real. Slip falls are one of the leading causes of neuromusculoskeletal injuries during the cold season.
 

WINTER FALLS AND THEIR HEALTH CONSEQUENCES

In Canada, more than 42,000 workers are injured each year as a result of falls.

This number represents approximately 18% of “lost time” incidents accepted by workers' compensation boards across Canada (according to statistics from the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada, 2016).

Statistics show that the majority (67%) of falls on the same level occur because the person slipped or tripped. The other 30% are falls with unevenness.

This shows how much climatic conditions, and particularly episodes of ice, contribute to accentuating the number of injuries from falls.

You may say to yourself that the proportion of this type of accident occurs mainly among the elderly. Well, think again...
59% of people who are victims of outdoor falls are under 65 years old, and only 6% of these accidents occur among seniors aged 85 and over...

 
Every year, medical professionals treat an ever-increasing number of sprains and fractures due to bad weather conditions.

Since no one is safe from it, the reminder of preventive measures remains unavoidable. A minimum of precautions can save you a lot of trouble.

PREVENT INJURIES

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Prepare the road before setting off

• You certainly have no control over the practicability of the sidewalks, but you can still see to the safety of your exterior stair steps and/or your house entrance.

• If you can, act preventively.

• Monitor weather conditions and spread salt or sand before the first snow or sleet falls.

• Don't forget to redo a salt or other treatment if you shovel after a first spreading.

• For best results, it is best to apply salt after dark.

Put on good shoes

• Not all types of boots are recommended when it comes to dealing with ice;

• Avoid high-heeled boots and those with thin soles.

• If you are subjected to long walks every day, or if you have health problems that make your balance fragile, consider bringing crampons that you will apply under your boots, as needed.

• If you don't have one, choose a rubber sole rather than a wooden sole.

Don't rush

• In the morning or after a storm, plan to leave earlier so you don't have to hurry.

• Bad falls usually occur when you are not attentive to the state of the road.

• So not only will rushing unnecessarily not help you get to your destination on time, but it's a safe bet that it will lead you first and foremost to your healthcare professional!

Vulnerability of the elderly

• Although they are not the main victims of falls in winter, the figures tell us that between 25% and 75% of falls among the elderly involve an environmental component.

• The vulnerability of seniors in winter exposes them to much more than injuries, and goes so far as to put their precious autonomy at risk.

• In this age group, prevention takes place on a daily basis. Frequent hearing and vision examinations as well as regular medication review by a trained healthcare professional are strongly recommended.

• On stormy days, use crampons without hesitation.

• If you have to travel with a cane, know that there are canes on the market with an integrated ice pick.

Muscle strengthening exercises

• In the elderly as in the youngest, good overall health is essential to prevent accidents.

• Daily physical activity will strengthen your muscular resistance by reducing your risk of falls.

• Through a spinal adjustment, your chiropractor will also be able to help you free your nervous system from interference, thus giving you better stability.

This winter, take the necessary steps to prevent falls, and keep both feet on the ground because the art of standing on ice is not given to everyone...

In case of severe falls and persistent pain, consult the Association des Chiropraticiens du Québec www.chiropratique.com

Or ...

Use GLISSGRIP...

The natural and ecological anti-slip ...

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