During the winter months, it’s common to see an increase in injuries from slipping, tripping, and falling due to cold weather, ice, and snow. DoctorsCare wants you to be safe from winter injuries this season by following these precautions

Not all slips and falls lead to serious injuries; however, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Avoid these common winter injuries by being safe in the cold weather.

Dealing with Snow or Ice

• Wear proper footwear that’s made for snowy or icy conditions.
• Slow down – try not to rush and avoid running outdoors.
  • Give yourself plenty of time should you need to leave your house. 
• Keep your strides short while walking.
• Keep de-icer and sand on hand for slippery surfaces and icy windshields.
• Try to keep your cell phone on you at all times, in case you do fall.
• Be aware of slippery floors inside as snow and ice can be tracked indoors, leaving puddles and slippery surfaces.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• The risk for carbon monoxide poisoning increases during winter months due to using fume-producing products such as
  • Fireplaces
    • Clean your chimney and flue annually.
  • Furnaces
    • Have your HVAC unit inspected yearly to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Kerosene heaters
    • Make sure any fuel-burning device like heaters or gas generators is properly ventilated.

Shoveling

• Prevent straining your back and neck with proper form while shoveling.
  • Push the snow away instead of lifting it on the shovel.
  • Keep a slight bend in your knees to protect your back.
• It could help stretch and warm up as shoveling targets different muscles you may not be used to using.

If you find yourself getting injured this winter, remember that our providers at DoctorsCare can treat sprains, strains, and other medical situations requiring immediate care but not life-threatening. Our providers are specially trained in Urgent Care and Emergency Medicine.

Visit one of our two conveniently located offices in Clarksville. We accept walk-in patients of all ages during all hours of operation. No appointment is necessary! Walk in, feel better!

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