To safely navigate icy sidewalks, walk like a penguin

"The recent snow and ice storm turned much of the nation into a winter wonderlandfrom the safety of a nice, cozy sofa indoors. If you step outside in such conditions, however, you'll find a dangerous obstacle course that can turn walking the dog or checking the mailbox into an emergency room visit with just one false step. There's no good clearinghouse for data about injuries related to winter weather, but studies do suggest that fall rates increase with snow and ice, especially among older adults."

"When you walk like a penguin, you keep your feet flat the entire time, and you take shorter steps, Murza says. You're less likely to slip and fall. Flat feet have more surface area in contact with the ground each time you take a step than our typical heel-to-toe gate, and smaller steps keep your weight more centered, she explains."

Snow and ice create slippery conditions that raise fall risk and can convert simple tasks into emergency-room visits. Studies indicate fall rates increase with snow and ice, with older adults at greater risk, though anyone can slip. Keeping feet flat and taking shorter, flat-footed steps increases ground contact and centers weight, reducing the chance of slipping. Slightly bent knees reduce lower-back pressure and improve stability. Avoid multitasking while walking and stow phones to maintain attention. No comprehensive national database tracks winter-weather injuries, so prevention and cautious walking are crucial during icy conditions.

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