Philadelphia (January 2003)—Magee Rehabilitation Hospital reminds everyone that freezing rain, sleet, ice and snow increase the chance of slips and falls that can result in serious injury.  Magee offers the following advice to help you reduce the risk of sprains and strains, dislocations and broken bones, or serious head and spinal injuries.

Try to avoid icy steps and sidewalks. If you have to venture out, be sure to have your safest boots on (or shoes with good grip or traction) and—if there’s ice and snow—clear and salt or sand the pathways as you make your way out of the house.

It may be frigid outside, and even though you’ll want to bundle up, you will also want to make sure that winter hats and scarves don’t limit your vision. Watch where you’re going, and be especially careful near curbs, and sloping and uneven areas that can hide patches of ice.

Avoid carrying too many packages. If necessary, make more than one trip. An armful of bulky packages or heavy bags can throw you off balance and make it difficult to protect yourself from injury if you do slide or stumble.

Keep the inside entryways into your house as dry as possible. Snow and ice from outside can quickly melt and cause wet, slippery floors.

Whether you are young or old, Magee Rehabilitation reminds you that these basic, common-sense tips can help prevent a lot pain and discomfort, or worse--a lifelong disability.