DEMAVIC-MARKETPLACE

Winter falls

 

The wonder of the landscape of the first winter frosts can quickly turn into a nightmare if, once in the picture, 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. Falls from slips are one of the leading causes of neuromusculoskeletal injuries during the cold season.

​

WINTER FALLS AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES ON HEALTH

 

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 a drop in height.

This shows how much climatic conditions, and particularly ice storms, contribute to increasing the number of injuries per fall.

 

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

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

 

Since no one is safe there, a reminder of preventive measures remains essential. A minimum of precautions can save you a lot of trouble.

PREVENT INJURIES

​

Prepare the pavement before committing

• You certainly have no control over the practicability of the pavement of the sidewalks, but it is nevertheless possible for you to see to the safety of your external staircase steps and / or your house entrance.

• If you can, take preventative action.

• Watch the weather conditions and spread salt or sand before the first round of snow or ice falls.

• Do not forget to redo a salt or other treatment if you are shoveling after a first spreading.

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

Put on well

• Not all types of boots are advisable when it comes to rubbing ice;

• Avoid boots with high heels as well as 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 can apply under your boots, if necessary.

• If you do not have one in your possession, choose a rubber sole rather than a wooden sole.

Do not hurry

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

• Bad falls usually occur when you pay little attention to the condition of the road.

• So not only will rushing around unnecessarily not help you get to your destination on time, it's a safe bet that it takes 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 in the elderly involve an environmental component.

• The vulnerability of seniors in winter exposes them to much more than injury, 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 eye examinations as well as regular medication review by a trained healthcare professional are strongly recommended.

• On stormy days, use crampons without hesitation.

• If you need to move around with a cane, be aware that there are rods on the market with integrated ice picks.

Muscle building exercises

• In both the elderly and the young, good overall health is essential to prevent accidents.

• Daily physical activity will strengthen your muscle 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 providing you with better stability.

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

 

In the event of severe falls and persistent pain, consult the Quebec Association of Chiropractors www.chiropratique.com

 

or ...

Use GLISSGRIP ...

The natural and ecological anti-slip ...

​

​

​