By Suzette Saari, PT, Home Care

Preparing for outdoor tasks during winter can prevent serious injuries. Black ice can be very dangerous as it is easily mistaken for a wet surface. Surfaces with frequent melting and re-freezing can be a daily threat to safety during the cold weather months.

Having the right footwear is vital to a safe outdoor experience. Think of winter footwear in terms of “Snow Tires for Your Feet,” many winter boots now come with rubber soles similar to snow tires that help prevent sliding. Adding a pair of ice cleats (much like studded snow tires) can vastly improve the traction of any boot or winter shoe. Ice cleats can be rather slippery on indoor surfaces so it is best to leave them on a pair of easily slipped on insulated footwear designated for outdoor use only.

With the right set of ‘wheels’ tackling the job of snow shoveling comes with additional considerations.  The National Safety Council recommends the following tips:

-Do not shovel after eating or while smoking

-Take it slow and stretch out before you begin

-Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it’s lighter

-Push the snow rather than lifting it

-If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel

-Lift with your legs, not your back

-Do not work to the point of exhaustion

-Know the signs of a heart attack and stop immediately and call 911 if you’re experiencing any of them; every minute counts

It is advisable, if you have a history of heart disease, to have clearance from your doctor.

A final note on back injury prevention while shoveling; it can be helpful to keep feet moving to toss snow forward rather than twisting to launch it backward.

In summary, go easy, no one seems to admire snow banks.