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Winter Safety Tips for Living in Northern Arizona

12/12/2023 by Kari Perlewitz

Woman shovelling snow with dog in winter. She is in her fifties, and is wearing a pale blue winter coat and a black wool hat. Dog is an Airedale.Brrr! Winter is here, which means a unique set of challenges for those of us living in Northern Arizona. Yes, it can be beautiful but it can also be a little bit dangerous if you’re not prepared. In this post, we will share five tips designed to keep you safe this winter… and beyond!

Winter Safety Tip #1 – Dress for Winter Success

Mastering the art of layering is your secret weapon against a chilly winter. Start with a snug base layer to wick away moisture, add a cozy insulating layer for warmth, then top it off with a waterproof outer layer to fend off the elements, especially if you’ll be outside for a while.

Oh, and let’s not forget the unsung heroes of winter fashion: hats, gloves, and scarves! These accessories will help protect you from the coldest temperatures. They’re like your winter armor, shielding you from snow, sleet, and whatever else the season might throw your way!

Winter Safety Tip #2 – Walk like a Penguin

Anytime you have to traverse an icy sidewalk, take a moment to channel your inner penguin. Take shorter steps, point your feet outward slightly, and keep your center of gravity over your front leg. This penguin-like stride helps with stability and reduces your risk of slipping on ice.

If you spot a particularly icy stretch, consider sidestepping instead of walking straight. Of course, you also want to make sure you’re wearing shoes or boots with added traction for the winter season. They might not be the most fashionable, but they’ll keep you from falling!

Winter Safety Tip #3 – Prep Your Vehicle

Driving in the winter presents a few unique challenges. Be proactive and add winter tires and top off your antifreeze. Have a mechanic give your car a winter checkup. Once you’re on the road, slow down and increase your following distance when the roads are slushy or icy.

Finally, consider putting together a winter emergency kit with a cozy blanket, some snacks, and a flashlight. Even though we always have our phones with us, there may be a situation where you need to wait for a tow truck and you want to be safe and warm in your car while you wait. 

Winter Safety Tip #4 – Practice Safe Shoveling

Snow shoveling might seem like a fairly innocuous winter chore, but it leads to approximately 11,500 injuries and 100 deaths each year. Most of these are soft tissue injuries, like sprains and strains. But it can also cause heart attacks, especially when dealing with heavy, wet snow. 

The best thing you can do is just take it slow, listen to your body, and ask for help if you need it. Snow blowers can also help reduce the risk (as long as you’re using them safely). Remember, winter should be a season full of joy, not a source of avoidable accidents or deaths.

Winter Safety Tip #5 – Boost Your Immune System

Unfortunately, winter is when viruses tend to spread the most. More people are indoors, and it’s easier for germs to spread in that environment. There is also new research suggesting that some common respiratory viruses actually thrive at lower temperatures. It’s a double whammy!

One of the best ways to protect yourself from pesky winter viruses is to get your annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines from North Country HealthCare! To schedule an appointment, please call our office — you can find the location closest to you by clicking here.

At North Country HealthCare, we want to keep you safe and healthy all year round. We provide comprehensive healthcare services in Northern Arizona, including family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, dental care, behavioral health services, and more. Whether you need a routine exam or more specialized services, we are here to help!

Categories: Health Tips, News

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