| Last week’s
low temperatures served to remind all of us that February
brings the really dreaded mixture of bitter cold, snow and
ice ... a combination that is especially dangerous for seniors.
More than half the incidents of falls due to ice take place
in January and February and more than a third of all the people
who had to be hospitalized after such a fall, were 60-79 years
of age. Just one bad fall can have long-term consequences.
(I am well aware of this on a personal level, having taken
a bad fall inside the house about seven years ago, breaking
my ankle in several places with the result that my walking
ability is both greatly diminished and often painful.) While
walking is a good way to keep fit, here are some basic precautions
to take:
1. Choose a good pair of winter boots that are insulated
and waterproof with wide, low heels.
2. Some people use ice grippers on footwear, but they can
become very slippery and must be removed before walking
on smooth surfaces. Instead, a cane with a pick device is
a good alternative.
3. Be sure to wear bright colors or add reflective material
to your clothing when out walking, and as it turns dark,
carry a flashlight. Allow extra time to cross streets and
leave one hand free to grasp railings.
4. When using public transportation, look for slippery
or uneven pavement upon entering or leaving a vehicle. Have
the fare ready so you are not distracted. When using a train,
mind the gap between the edge of the train platform and
the train.
5. If you are driving, be sure your vehicle is serviced
and winterized by your mechanic. Have an emergency kit in
the car and carry a cell phone with you. Always be sure
you have a full tank of gas as well as a warm blanket and
have water and energy bars in the event of delays. Here
are some safety tips for inside:
6. Heating devices and household appliances that are fueled
by gas, oil, kerosene or wood can produce deadly carbon
monoxide gas. Have carbon monoxide detectors on every level
of the house, check the batteries once a month and change
them yearly.
7. Space heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn
at least 3 feet away and have a space heater that automatically
shuts off if it falls. Do not leave children alone in a
room where a heater is running.
8. Do not try to heat room home with a gas stove or oven.
9. Since most hip fractures occur from falls on the ice,
you will want to be sure your walkways are free from ice
and snow and that there is a well-secured floor mat by the
entrance door.
10. Keep tuned to your local weather station in order to
evaluate if weather poses a danger to you. When you think
that it might be dangerous, cancel all nonemergency appointments
and have adequate medication, food and pet food, on hand.
And remember, only 41 days until spring.
Jean Cherni is founder of Senior
Living Solutions, a retirement advisory service. Contact
her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds, Branford
06405.
H. Pearce Company REALTORS®
is a full-service real estate company with more than 100
agents and branch offices in greater New Haven and the Shoreline.
Corporate and & Commercial offices are located in North
Haven, where the company was founded in 1958. All listings
can be found in color on the web at: www.hpearce.com. |
