Why is walking like a penguin important during winter?

Winneshiek Medical Center nurse practitioner Kris Heffern says you should walk like a penguin to avoid wintertime slips and falls.

Heffern says, "We all know snow and ice can cause injury from slips and falls." In fact, the National Safety Council says slips, trips, and falls are the leading cause of injury related deaths for adults 65 years and older.
 
"We encourage everyone to 'Walk like a Penguin' in slippery conditions," says Heffern.  That means keeping your center of gravity over your front leg, with your arms free and out to the side (just like a penguin).  Walk slowly and deliberately, taking short steps and keeping your feet about shoulder-width apart, so you can recover quickly if you begin to slip.

Heffern also says you should wear boots or other slip-resistant footwear with good rubber treads.  She urges you not to put your hands in your coat pockets, but keep them free to help restore balance, and catch yourself if you fall.

Winneshiek Medical Center nurse practitioner Kris Heffern