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 related stories

View All Stories

3 Minute Read
Health & Wellness
Top 5 ways to reduce food waste to save money – and the planet

Guest post by Lisa Pritchard, a UBC Dietetics student. With the cost of food still rising, throwing out uneaten food and unused ingredients is…

Read Article

3 Minute Read
Health & Wellness
5 reasons to choose frozen produce over fresh

Guest post by Zoe Maika, a UBC Dietetics student As dietitians, we encourage everyone to eat vegetables and fruit year-round. Fresh fruit and…

Read Article

4 Minute Read
Health & Wellness
Nurse prescribing: A vital tool to combat the toxic drug crisis

It has been two years since Interior Health registered nurses (RNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) began prescribing opioid agonist…

Read Article

4 Minute Read
Health & Wellness
More support coming for caregivers of loved ones who use substances

For caregivers supporting loved ones affected by substance use, the journey can feel like a lonely one. Whether a mom, dad, grandparent, spouse,…

Read Article

2 Minute Read
Health & Wellness
Naloxone saves lives

Naloxone is a widely available medication that can reverse an opioid overdose temporarily. It has been a vital tool in combatting the toxic drug…

Read Article

4 Minute Read
Health & Wellness
The art of listening in 6 simple steps

Submitted by the Canadian Mental Health Association  You might have a thousand Facebook friends or followers on Instagram. Or maybe you have…

Read Article

View all Stories

STAY CONNECTED

Receive alerts, news and stories@IH right to your inbox!

Sign-Up
mail