Winter can be hazardous. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in one year, there were more than 20,000 work-related slips and falls involving ice, sleet, or snow that required at least one day away from work.
And snowy, slushy, icy roadways cause more than 116,000 injuries annually.
Plus, a Canadian study found that if guys are shoveling a 7-to-8-inch snowfall, their risk of going to the hospital with a heart attack rises 16%, and the risk of dying from that heart attack jumps 34%.
Here are some smart steps to avoid wintertime dangers:
• To reduce your risks of falling, use sand or kitty litter to improve traction on walkways. Also use footwear with soles designed to prevent slipping.
• To avoid accidents on slippery streets, make sure you have tires designed for maximum grip, and pay attention to traffic alerts advising you when to stay off roadways. Steer gently into a skid if you start to spin.
• Don't shovel first thing in the morning (which is prime time for heart attacks). Warm up first by doing stretches and marching in place. Use a smaller shovel to reduce the weight of each load of snow. Take frequent breaks — don't do a whole sidewalk in one go.
And prepare for winter's challenges by staying fit year-round with 10,000 steps or the equivalent daily and core-building resistance exercises.
For tips on maintaining good balance, check out Dr. Oz's presentation "Improve Your Balance in 5 Minutes" on YouTube, and Dr. Mike's book "AgeProof: Living Longer Without Running Out of Money or Breaking a Hip."