Lower Your Risk of Falling 

When traveling around NYC during the wintertime, you must be careful of slippery ice! Falling on an icy surface can cause serious injury. Therefore, it is important to be aware of how to lower your risk of doing so. 

What Can I Do to Avoid Slipping on Ice? 

• Wear shoes/boots that have good grip 
  • Check your current snow boots – It might be time to buy new boots, as your old ones may have worn out bottoms
  • You can also buy grips/ice cleats that attach to your regular shoes
• If you walk with a cane, you can buy an ice pick attachment for the bottom!
• Plan ahead 
  • Give yourself extra time to get to where you’re going so you can walk slowly
• Inspect your pathway + Keep your head up!
  • If you wear glasses, make sure you have them on so that you can see the ice and avoid stepping on it if possible…it can be easy to miss 
  • Find grassy/textured patches to walk on – AVOID metal grates/manhole covers
  • Don’t text and walk at the same time 
• Try not to carry heavy things with you
  • If you have to, use a backpack so your hands are free to utilize for assisting your balance

Walking On Ice 

When there is no option other than to walk on the ice, there is a strategy to doing so! 

Walk Like a Penguin! 

• Take short, flat-footed, shuffling steps 
• Keep your knees slightly bent to lower your center of mass
• Keep your arms out to the side to help your balance 
• *IMPORTANT* 
  • Lean forward to center your body mass directly over the foot that you are stepping with

To summarize, just be safe, take your time and if you don’t feel comfortable going out when the weather is really bad, then don’t!

If you are looking for more ways to better your balance or strength needed for getting around during the wintertime, come see our movement specialists at ProMet Physical Therapy! We can help you improve your function, safety, and overall quality of life! Make an appointment today at one of our Glendale, Briarwood or Manhasset locations!