I do this! One never knows if there's a patch of ice underneath the snow!

Walk like a penguin? How not to fall, including in winter

Increased efforts at prevention could save lives. Here are some tips.

Author of the article:
By Susan Schwartz • Montreal Gazette
Published Jan 31, 2026

"In our northern climes, outdoor fall risks in winter include surfaces covered with snow, ice or black ice. Montreal’s public health department has considerable online information on preventing falls outdoors and indoors, including:

- Learn to walk like a penguin — at any age — to prevent slips and falls: Bend forward slightly to keep your centre of gravity over your feet, walk slowly and take small steps with your feet apart in a V shape and your arms free and out to your sides. Carry purchases or personal effects in a backpack.
- Wear proper boots — light, warm, well-insulated and waterproof, with wide, thick, non-slip soles. Avoid smooth soles and high heels.
- When walking on hard snow and ice, use ice grippers to increase safety and stability. Do not wear grippers indoors.
- Used properly, walking poles or sticks increase stability and improve posture. Sold in sport and outdoor equipment stores, they provide extra points of contact with the ground, reduce impact on the low back and the knees and improve endurance and walking speed: Adjust the height so your elbows are at a 90-degree angle when you hold the poles out in front of you. Choose the right tip for the terrain and season: ice picks in winter, for instance. Walk with a natural arm swing.
- Have your phone, or a whistle, within reach in case you fall."

Read more:
https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/how-not-to-fall-tips-in-winter-ice-prevention?utm_source=Mastodon

#WinterWalking #WinterWeather #PreventFalls #WinterSafetyTips

𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 — 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝟮𝟮, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

Today is Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related emergency visits and a major cause of disability and death for older adults. Small changes at home and in daily routines can dramatically reduce risk. Share this post to help protect a neighbor, friend or family member.

𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀
- 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽 𝗵𝗮𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀: secure loose rugs, coil or tape long cords, clear walkways.
- 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: add night lights in hallways, stairs and bathrooms; use brighter bulbs.
- 𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗯 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝗻-𝘀𝗹𝗶𝗽 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘀: install grab bars by toilets and in showers; use non-slip bath mats.
- 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿: choose sturdy, well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles — avoid slippers with poor grip.
- 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝘀: ask a pharmacist or provider about side effects (dizziness, low blood pressure) that increase fall risk.
- 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴: balance and strength exercises (sit-to-stand, heel raises, Tai Chi) reduce falls.
- 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲: schedule annual eye exams and update glasses as needed.
- 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆: walkers and canes should be fitted and used properly.
- 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻: consider a medical alert device or a phone within reach; set up quick-check calls with family or neighbors.

If you care for an older adult, start with a brief home-safety walk-through and a medication review this week. Small actions save lives.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀
- Talk with your primary care provider or pharmacist about fall risk.
- Ask about local balance classes or community programs for older adults.

Share to raise awareness — one post could prevent a fall.

#FallsPrevention #FallsPreventionAwarenessDay #PreventFalls #SeniorSafety #OlderAdultHealth #HomeSafety #BalanceAndStrength #MedicationSafety #VisionHealth #SafeFootwear #FallFree #CommunityHealth #PublicHealth #SCABPharmacy