Health & Wellness

Safety tips for winter walking and snow shovelling

January 3, 2023
It’s important to wear proper footwear when walking on icy surfaces to prevent falling.

During the colder months it’s important to stay active and get fresh air. It’s also important to use caution in snowy or icy conditions to prevent injury from slipping or falling. You also need to be careful when shovelling your driveway.

 

Here are some tips to consider to stay on your feet

  • Choose the right footwear with a non-slip sole (check out www.ratemytreads.com for reliable information on the best winter footwear to buy)
  • Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going
  • Walk like a penguin (mimicking the tiny steps help you keep your balance and footing)
  • Keep your hands free
  • Remove snow and ice from walkways frequently (see tips below for shovelling)
  • Keep the exterior lights on at your home, choose well-lit pathways, or wear a headlamp, so you have clear vision
  • Scan for tripping hazards, black ice, and uneven surfaces
  • When you go out for a walk, carry a small plastic bag filled with sand or kitty litter in your pocket to sprinkle as needed on icy sidewalks

Learn some snow shovelling tips to keep your body strong and healthy

  • Do not shovel after eating or while smoking
  • Warm up before you begin, and stretch your muscles after
  • Don’t wait for the snow to stop falling – shovel early and often
  • Whenever possible, use a snow shovel to push, rather than lift, the snow
  • If you have to lift, use a smaller shovel, or only partially fill up the shovel
  • Lift the shovel with your legs and not your back
  • Don’t shovel to the point of exhaustion, take breaks
  • If you’re feeling faint or in pain, stop
  • Know the signs of a heart attack – and stop immediately if you feel chest pain

 

Stories@IH

Read our latest stories

View All Stories

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture
Foundation spotlight series: South Cariboo Health Foundation

SCHF supports 100 Mile House & District General Hospital and health facilities, health projects, and the well-being of health-care providers & patients.

/stories/foundation-spotlight-series-south-cariboo-health-foundation

5 Minute Read
Community & Culture
Lillooet Secondary students get head start in health-care careers

Thanks to a collaboration between Lillooet Hospital and School District 74, several local Lillooet students got a closer look into health care as a profession.

/stories/lillooet-secondary-students-get-head-start-health-care-careers

5 Minute Read
Community & Culture
We are IH: Communications consultant learns and grows every day

Nida has long felt called to pursue a communications position in health care. Today, she’s honoured and feels extremely thankful to be living her dream.

/stories/we-are-ih-communications-consultant-learns-and-grows-every-day

6 Minute Read
Health & Wellness
New alcohol screening questions in EDs connect patients & care

A new program in IH emergencies invites patients to share information about their relationship to alcohol, normalizing conversations and creating a safe space.

/stories/new-alcohol-screening-questions-eds-connect-patients-care

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture
We are IH: Indigenous Engagement lead values holding space

Connect with Jade Chaboyer-Kondra to learn more about what inspires her, meaningful experiences she’s had throughout her career, and her life outside of work.

/stories/we-are-ih-indigenous-engagement-lead-values-holding-space

5 Minute Read
Health & Wellness
Get help with alcohol use in the privacy of your home

If you're uncomfortable with your relationship to alcohol, we offer a detox program that's done from home. Learn more about outpatient withdrawal management.

/stories/get-help-alcohol-use-privacy-your-home

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news and alert posts, and Stories@IH blog posts, right to your inbox!

Sign Up
mail