GREEN BAY — As temperatures dip and Jack Frost visits our communities, there is a hidden danger that lies outside: ice. Emplify Health by Bellin is reminding community members to stay safe and upright in icy areas by embracing their inner penguin.
Slick sidewalks and frosty driveways can turn a simple stroll into a slippery adventure, often with painful consequences. Falls on ice can lead to nasty sprains, strains or even broken bones.
“When icy conditions begin, we always encourage our patients and community members to keep their balance by ‘walking like a penguin’,” said Chad Carter, Emplify Health by Bellin Titletown Sports Medicine & Orthopedics licensed athletic trainer. “It may sound ridiculous but it truly is a great way to stay on your feet when slippery spots are around.”
How to master the “Penguin Walk”:
Waddle it out: instead of taking long strides, shorten your steps and shuffle your feet. Have your knees slightly bent and your arms out to your sides (like wings) for balance. Take it slow!
Lean forward: shift your center of gravity slightly forward. This will help you maintain your balance and reduce the risk of slipping backward.
Flat-footed is best: instead of striking with your heel first, walk with your feet flat on the ground. This will help with traction. Again, take it slow.
Beyond perfecting the waddle, Emplify Health by Bellin also recommends keeping your hands free. When your hands are occupied, you have less of a chance to catch yourself, so wear backpacks or crossbody bags to carry your items — including your phone. When moving inside, make sure you are wiping your shoes on rugs or mats to reduce your risk of slipping on floors. Inside or out, focus on your steps, not your phone.
“Winter is a wonderful time of year, and we want everyone to enjoy it safely,” says Carter. “A little caution and a lot of penguin-inspired walking can go a long way in preventing falls. But if an unexpected tumble does occur, remember that help is available to get you back on your feet.”
When a slip turns into a sprain, tear or even a broken bone, the team at the Emplify Health by Bellin’s walk-in orthopedic injury clinic is available for quick and efficient assessments. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.