Stay On The Lookout And Stay Safe This Winter

Now that we’ve officially rung in the new year, 2021 looks to be a bit uncertain – but here’s to hoping that things are a little better, a little brighter, and a little more positive than they were in 2020! So, winter is in full swing and our first step toward ensuring that 2021 is better than 2020 is to pay attention to some of the most common winter injuries that people struggle with year after year. This year, it’ll be up to you to take the proper precautions to ensure that you don’t become one of those victims! In this short article, we’re going to tell you all about the most common winter injuries.

Twisted Ankles & Elbow Fractures

These ones might not sound common, but when you really think about it, it makes perfect sense. For instance, suppose you’ve just parked your car at the office and are walking through the parking lot to the front door. The parking lot looks freshly plowed after an overnight snowstorm, but it’s quite cold. You’re walking carefully when all of a sudden – BAM! You slip on black ice, twist your ankle, and are sent falling to the ground. The first thing you do is stick out your elbows to absorb the blow and before you know it, you’ve got a twisted ankle and a fractured elbow. Being on the lookout for black ice is always critical – if it’s cold enough for ice to form, then it’s cold enough for black ice to hide itself everywhere and anywhere.

Back Injuries

Back injuries are another common winter injury, and that’s because they can be caused from a variety of accidents, slips, and falls – but not only that, they can even be caused by something as simple as shoveling snow!

Now, if you slip and fall on a patch of ice, then a back injury certainly could be a potential outcome. However, who would have thought that shoveling your driveway and clearing it from some fresh fallen snow could actually cause a back injury? For that very reason, we always recommend proper form while shoveling – this means bending your knees, lifting with your core, and staying away from heavy loads. And if you’re able to, consider investing in a snowblower or a snow throwing machine – this will certainly help to take some pressure off of your back. Just be sure that you wear ice-friendly shoes with some grip to ensure that you can plow your driveway safely too.

Hypothermia & Frostbite

Did you know that as soon as your body temperature dips below 95 degrees, hypothermia begins to set in? You might think that you’ve got enough protection from the elements, but a drop of just 2 or 3 degrees can be detrimental. Not to mention, frostbite is quite common for those who simply don’t prepare well enough to brave the winter cold. So, bundle up, cover up, and stay warm