Mastodawn

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."

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