With the first indications of winter arriving in northeast and central Wisconsin, many people will be excited about the winter activities that will follow. To help keep the season safe and fun, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
“When the snow sticks to the ground, people may be eager to get back to favorite activities like skiing, snowboarding or skating,” said Dr. Patrick Terry, family medicine physician at ThedaCare Physicians-Oshkosh. “Make sure you’re in appropriate physical condition for your activity. Warm up beforehand, and use properly fitting gear and safety equipment.”
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says nearly 200,000 people were treated in 2018 for winter sports-related injuries, including fractures, sprains and dislocations. Cold muscles and tendons are more vulnerable to injury, and many injuries occur when people are fatigued.
“Many of these injuries occur at the end of the day when people are just getting in one last run, for example,” Terry said. “It’s important to stay alert and stop for breaks when you feel yourself getting tired – and certainly don’t continue your activity if you’re in pain.”
Kids especially may be eager to hit the nearest sledding hill as soon as the snow sticks to the ground. The National Safety Council says more than 20,000 children are treated each year for sledding injuries, often because of falls from the sled or because the sled hits a stationery object. Skull fractures are unfortunately a common injury.
“Always supervise children who are sledding, especially those under age 10,” Terry said. “Wearing a helmet is a best practice, and no one should ride the sled head first — the feet should always be pointing downhill.”
Sleds should be in good condition, without cracks or sharp edges, and using a sled with brakes and steering is the best plan. Sled hills should be spacious and free from obstacles, including having a wide space at the bottom for safe stops.
As with any outdoor activity in winter, people should dress properly for the cold when walking in winter.
“It’s great to stay active even in the winter months,” Terry said. “Just be prepared for winter temperatures by wearing several layers of lightweight clothing, with an outer layer that is water resistant and blocks the wind.”
Footwear with rubber or neoprene soles provide the best traction on potentially slippery surfaces. Additionally, the footwear you choose should provide good ankle support as well as keep your feet warm and dry.
When you navigate icy areas, keep your center of gravity over your feet and take smaller, shuffling steps, which can help your stability. If you’re walking across roadways, remember that vehicles will take longer to stop in poor conditions.
“Be aware of your surroundings, both in terms of vehicle traffic and the conditions of the roadway or sidewalk,” Terry said. “Ice is often hidden under snow and can create the potential for dangerous slips and falls.”
People also should protect themselves from frostbite during any winter activity by wearing hats and/or earmuffs and gloves, and taking a break from the cold whenever they’re outdoors for an extended period of time.
“Older adults, infants and those with medical conditions such as diabetes are at greater risk of frostbite as their bodies may have a harder time producing heat or responding properly to the cold,” Terry noted.
Signs of superficial frostbite can include, at first, cold skin and a prickling feeling. Then, there can be numbness; skin that looks red, white, bluish-white, grayish-yellow, purplish, brown or ashen, depending on the severity of the condition and usual skin color; hard or waxy-looking skin; clumsiness due to joint and muscle stiffness; and blistering after rewarming, in severe cases.
“In more progressive cases of frostbite, you might experience a feeling of warming,” Terry said. “It’s important to be aware of how the skin is feeling and ensure extremities are properly protected against the cold.”
Each year, people suffer heart attacks while snow shoveling and snowblowing. High levels of exertion coupled with cold temperatures and a sedentary or inactive lifestyle can put people at risk.
“Cold temperatures can increase your heart rate and your blood pressure,” Terry said. “Even in healthy people, this creates a greater risk of heart attack.”
People who are not normally very active especially should take precautions when shoveling, including stretching and warming up before shoveling, using a smaller shovel or shoveling smaller loads, and pushing snow rather than lifting it.
Snowblowing may seem safer, but the equipment is heavy and pushing it can cause injury or overexertion as well.
“Certainly, do not shovel or snowblow without your provider’s approval if you have had any history of cardiovascular disease,” Terry said. “It’s far better to hire someone to clear your driveway than to end up in the emergency room, or worse.”
Terry wants to encourage people to make the most of winter, while staying safe.
“The winters can be long in Wisconsin,” said Terry. “That doesn’t mean we must hibernate indoors for months. There are wonderful activities to take part in – skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or just enjoying a walk in a park or around your neighborhood. All of these are great exercises that help our bodies adapt to cold weather. If we follow safety precautions, we can enjoy the beauty that winter provides.”
Precautions should be taken with winter activity
