It’s been quite a year. My sincerest hope is that you and your family have found ways to stay healthy and happy during a time of uncertainty and stress. Like everything else this year, normal holiday celebrations may look a bit different, but I am optimistic that we can all come together in some way (zoom party anyone?). With the holidays here I would like to wish you a very happy Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Kwanza, or whatever you do (or don’t) celebrate. To each their own. This year has been stressful, and we all need to do what we feel is right, so keep in mind that it’s okay to say no this holiday season. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Make sure you aren’t spreading yourself too thin by buying gifts that break your budget, overbooking your social calendar, or cooking stressful and extravagant meals. Slow down and enjoy the season; and make sure you do something for you to unwind and relax.
The winter waddle
Speaking of slowing down, winter weather means snowy, slushy, slick/or icy roads and sidewalks and amplifies the need to be extra cautious while walking. Falls during the winter season are one of the most common causes of injuries in Canada. Obviously, the easiest thing to prevent a fall is to avoid slick and icy surfaces or lay down some salt/sand; but often times coming into contact with poor walking conditions is simply unavoidable. So what can you do to avoid a slip and fall?
1. Slow down, don’t rush. After or on a bad weather day try to plan ahead and give yourself extra time to get where you need to go. Avoid taking shortcuts. Take a longer, clearer or treated route if you can.
2. Proper Outerwear. Choosing the right shoe to wear during winter time is a great way to be safe when walking outdoors. Wear warm, lightweight, waterproof boots with rubber soles and good non-slip grips/treads on the bottom. Good winter boots are making a fashion comeback and won’t make you look silly – but falling and hurting yourself because you’re wearing flats in the middle of a winter storm might. If new winter boots aren’t in the budget this year, you can always add grips or spikes. These aids usually slip on over your shoe and have a few pointy spikes that will pierce the icy surface improving your stability. Wear gloves or mittens so you can keep your hands warm while out of your pockets in case you need to catch your balance.
3. Walk like a Penguin. This might seem a little odd, but if you adopt this form correctly it may save you from ending up in the emergency room. As you step, bend you knees slightly and walk flat footed. This will give your body a lower centre of gravity and help you maintain your balance. Have solid footing, with your feet rotated outwards slightly, and take smaller, shuffle like steps. This keeps your weight balanced at the base of your body. All of this in addition to keeping your arms out of your pockets and at your side will help maintain your stability in slippery conditions.
For more information or to book an appointment call 705-380-3312 or visit the website . Surge Physiotherapy is located at 33 King William Street, Suite 204, in Huntsville. Office hours are flexible with evening appointments available (3x/week). Email – info@surgephysio.ca
Stephanie is a bilingual, Registered Physiotherapist with the College of Physiotherapist of Ontario and the Canadian Physiotherapy Association who is committed to providing a hands on, personalized approach to physiotherapy.
Stephanie, a native to the Huntsville community, developed a passion for health and wellness during her youth while competing in cross-country running, nordic skiing, and track and field. Stephanie has always had a strong caring nature and fell in love with the physiotherapy profession while volunteering at a physiotherapy clinic during high school and university.
Stephanie continued to build on her passion for health care by attending McGill University and completing her
Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology. During her Masters in Health Science of Physiotherapy, completed at the University of Ottawa, she completed internships in orthopaedic clinics, hospitals, home care, and neurology centres.
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