THUNDER BAY — Ice is becoming far more common on roads and walkways as temperatures drop.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s (TBDHU) long-running Walk Like a Penguin campaign provides information on preventing slips and falls.
Judi Marton, a public health nurse at the TBDHU, works in injury and substance use prevention. She said the fun campaign has been very successful.
“It's getting more and more momentum after years of doing it and so when we go to health fairs and stuff, people are always saying, ‘Oh, I walk like a penguin all winter long,’” said Marton.
Marton explained the idea is that you spread your feet apart, carry nothing unless it's a backpack to keep your arms free for balance, bend your knees, have good footwear and be cautious about where you're walking and walk slowly.
In particular, she said people should get footwear with really good grips and wear recommended warm clothes.
She also encourages people with walking devices including walkers and canes to always use them because a fall can ‘really change your life if it's serious enough.’
Falls are the leading cause of injury related hospitalizations for Canadian seniors with 20-30 per cent experiencing a fall every year, according to the health unit.
And Thunder Bay, she said, has a higher-than-average adult population as opposed to Ontario, not counting Toronto.
“It can have devastating effects," said Marton.
"Often it can lead to really serious injuries, broken hips, sprains, strains and hospitalizations. We also do have stats that tell us that a high number of (hospital) visits are from falls for older adults in our community.”
Based on data and evidence, she added exercise, strength and balance are number one for preventing these falls.
“It only takes about 150 minutes a week and it sounds like a lot, but it's really not. You can do 10-minute intervals and add that all up, also walking. I know right now walking outside probably isn't ideal for a lot of people, but you can walk around your house, you can do things like put your dishes away one at a time,” said Marton.
However, she said young kids while pretty flexible also get injuries, making monitoring the biggest thing.
“Concussions can be really serious. So, if your child or anybody of any age falls and hits their head and they think they might have a concussion — it's quite common actually — you need to see a physician or medical professional,” said Marton.
“Follow those steps and there's lots of really good information out there, but you need to get it from a professional.”
In the case of a fall, she added, the most important thing is for people to stay calm: 'relax, take a few breaths and assess their situation.'
If injured, she said do not move other than making yourself a bit more comfortable to avoid causing further injury and call 911 if you have a mobile device or if you're alone, start yelling for help.
However, suppose you haven't seriously injured yourself. In that case, she added, you should roll over onto your hands and knees slowly and if you can find something to grab onto, but if not, slowly get up, regain your balance again and 'walk away happy.'
She encourages people to be wary of their surroundings, even in previously sanded areas like a parking lot.
“When you're opening your door, look and see what's down there before you get out. It is actually more common than you might think. Boom, that's when you go down,” said Marton.
