"Walk like a penguin" - local hospital offers winter walking tips

Walking to and from parking lots or between buildings at work (or anywhere) during the winter requires special attention to avoid slipping and falling—especially with more snow on the way including some freezing rain.

The Emergency Services physicians at Providence Medical Center and Saint John Hospital offer the following safety tips to keep in mind:

• Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles; assume all wet, dark areas on pavements are slic.

• Walk in designated walkways as much as possible. Taking shortcuts over snow piles and other frozen areas can be hazardous. Look ahead when you walk.

• During bad weather, avoid boots or shoes with smooth soles and heels. Instead, wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice.

• Point your feet out slightly like a penguin! Spreading your toes out slightly while walking on ice increases your center of gravity. Bend slightly and walk flat-footed with your center of gravity over your feet.

• Extend your arms out to your sides to maintain balance.

• Keep your hands out of your pockets! Hands in pockets while walking decreases your center of gravity and balance.

• Take short steps or shuffle for stability.

• If you fall; try to avoid landing on your knees, wrists, or spine.

• Try and keep both feet on the ground as you exit and enter your parked vehicle.